NFTGA – Fall 2019 National Standard

From the National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, of which the LVTGG is a member:

Dear Member Associations,

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the 16th issue (Autumn 2019) of The National Standard, the quarterly newsletter of the National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations.

Click here for a digital copy.

As always, the NFTGA looks forward to contributions from members of all our member associations. Submission guidelines, including word limits and deadlines, are included in the masthead on Page 2 of the newsletter. The deadline for submissions to the Winter, 2020 issue is 5pm, Thursday, January 16.

While the newsletter is first and foremost a digital publication, it is designed to be easily printable from your home printer, and read as a hard copy if so desired.

Thank you for your attention. I heartily look forward to working with many of you in the time to come.

All the best,

Matthew Baker

Editor-in-Chief

The National Standard

NFTGA Newsletter

Hoover Dam CUA

As of November 2019, the Bureau of Reclamation is requiring that commercial operators bringing passengers to Hoover Dam have a Hoover Dam CUA (Commercial Use Authorization).

Hoover Dam

Prior to visiting the dam, guides should ensure that their tour operator or motor coach company has secured the CUA. While many local coach companies will get and have the CUA, the onus is on the packager or operator.

The application and CUA fee is $300. Until the Spring, when a new shack will be built just past the security stop, the CUA checkpoint will be at the security stop. If a commercial vehicle does not have the CUA, they will have to either pay $300 on the spot for a Temporary CUA (TCUA) or turn around. These are options no guide would want to chose from. If purchasing the TCUA, the operator has 7 days to apply for the CUA and receive credit for the $300 paid, or they will forfeit the amount.

Also, note that in the Spring, an additional User Fee of $5 per person will be collected at the CUA checkpoint!

The CUA and User Fees are not related to or changing the cost of tours at the dam or policies for parking in the garage.

The CUA will be required for any visit past the security stop, so this includes the bridge as well as the dam itself. Though it’s unlikely that one would drive to the Lake Mead overlook for its own sake, as it’s prior to the security stop, the CUA is not required to stop there.

While daily operators to the dam and most local motorcoach companies will be prepared and have the CUA, those from outside the area may not be. Some local DMCs or infrequent operators may also not be aware of the new requirements and upcoming User Fees. Especially until some time has passed, guides should doublecheck that their employer or coach company has the CUA and that you have a copy with you when visiting Hoover Dam.

For details, see the Bureau of Reclamation website.