Guide Connect

Terms of Service

Last updated: January 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Guide Connect, a professional, commission-free B2B platform connecting qualified tour guides in Iceland with travel companies.

Guide Connect operates as a registered Icelandic company (Ehf.) and is the entity granting these Terms of Service.

By creating an account, subscribing, or using the Guide Connect website and services (the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (the "Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

Company Reg. No. 4701261320

2. Parties

  • Service Provider: Guide Connect. Founders and operators: María Ester Guðjónsdóttir and Ingimar Eyfjörð Smárason. Email: legal@guideconnect.is
  • User: A tour guide or tour organizer using the Guide Connect platform.

3. Definitions

  • Platform: The Guide Connect website, application, and related services.
  • Guide: A professional tour guide registered on the Platform.
  • Agency: A travel company, tour operator, or DMC registered on the Platform.
  • User: Any person or entity that accesses or uses the Platform (including Guides and Agencies).
  • Tour: A job posting or request for services created by an Agency.

4. Platform Service and Model

Guide Connect provides a hub to facilitate direct connections and negotiations between Guides and Agencies.

  • Commission-Free Model: We operate on a subscription basis. Guide Connect is not a party to, and takes no commission from, the contract, negotiation, or payment for any Tour agreed upon between a Guide and an Agency.
  • Not an Employment Agency: Guide Connect is not an employment agency and is not a contractual party to any employment, assignment, or payment arrangements. All agreements, obligations, payments, and liabilities related to tours or guiding services are strictly between the tour guide and the tour organizer.
  • Subscription: Access to the Platform's core search, filtering, and direct contact features requires a valid, paid subscription for Agencies and/or Guides (as applicable to the current business model).
  • No Guarantee: Guide Connect does not guarantee assignments, income, or a specific volume of inquiries or connections for users of the Platform.

5. User Accounts and Eligibility

  • Account Creation: To use the Platform, you must create an account and be a professional entity or individual involved in the Icelandic tourism industry.
  • Account Responsibility: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
  • Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information, including professional licenses and contact details, and to keep this information updated.

6. Subscription and Payments

Users of Guide Connect may choose between a monthly or an annual subscription. Annual subscriptions are paid in advance and may include a discount compared to monthly subscriptions, in accordance with the applicable price list at any given time.

Subscriptions are ongoing and have no minimum binding period. A subscription remains valid until the end of the period already paid for and may be cancelled at any time via the user account. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current paid period. Subscription fees already paid are non-refundable for any period that has already commenced, regardless of use of the service.

Payments are processed electronically through an approved payment service provider. Guide Connect stores only a unique token instead of full payment card details. The user is responsible for the payment method registered and for ensuring that payment information is accurate and up to date.

The user has the right to withdraw from the subscription within 14 days of purchase in accordance with consumer protection laws, provided that the service has not been used. By starting to use the service within this period, the user expressly agrees that the right of withdrawal is waived.

Guide Connect does not guarantee assignments, income, or a specific volume of inquiries or connections for users of the platform.

6.1 Where to cancel

Users can cancel their subscription at any time through their account settings under the "Billing" section. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.

6.2 What counts as usage

For the purposes of the 14-day withdrawal right, "usage" means actively using the core features of the service, such as posting tours, applying for tours, or communicating with other users. Logging in solely to manage account settings, view billing information, or cancel a subscription does not constitute usage and does not waive the right of withdrawal.

7. Guide Responsibilities

As a Guide, you represent and warrant that you will:

  • Provide accurate, truthful, and up-to-date information regarding your qualifications, certifications, and licenses.
  • Keep your real-time availability information accurate to ensure reliability for Agencies.
  • Honor all commitments and agreed-upon terms for Tours accepted through the Platform.
  • Communicate professionally and respectfully with Agencies and the Platform support team.
  • Follow the Code of Conduct of the VR Tour Guides Association, where applicable, and comply with the operational procedures and safety rules of the tourism company for each assignment.

8. Agency Responsibilities

As an Agency, you represent and warrant that you will:

  • Provide accurate, complete, and truthful descriptions and requirements for all Tours.
  • Treat Guides fairly, professionally, and without discrimination.
  • Honor all offers and pay Guides according to the mutually agreed-upon terms and schedule, outside of the Platform.
  • Use Guide profile data solely for the purpose of staffing tours and not for any other commercial purpose.
  • Operate according to professional and ethical standards within the tourism industry, providing clear contracts and terms for tours and assignments.

9. Code of Conduct, Professionalism, and Mutual Responsibility

Tour guides commit to working in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the VR Tour Guides Association, where applicable, as well as the codes of conduct, operational procedures, and safety rules of the tourism company they work with for each assignment.

Tour organizers commit to operating according to professional and ethical standards within the tourism industry, treating tour guides fairly, and providing clear contracts and terms for tours and assignments.

Both parties are responsible for familiarizing themselves with their rights and obligations under applicable laws and contractual arrangements.

10. Environmental Awareness, Sustainability, and Responsible Tourism

Guide Connect places strong emphasis on environmental awareness, sustainability, and responsible tourism. It is the clear intention of Guide Connect that users conduct their activities with respect for nature, society, and local culture and, where possible, contribute to educating guests about responsible behavior in travel.

Guide Connect takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, violence, exploitation, human trafficking, forced labor, or violations of human rights, including the rights of children. If a user is found to be acting in violation of applicable laws or engaging in such conduct, Guide Connect reserves the right to immediately terminate access to the platform and deny further use.

11. Content and Intellectual Property

  • Our Content: The Platform, including its design, text, graphics, and underlying code, is the exclusive property of Guide Connect and is protected by intellectual property laws.
  • User Content: You retain ownership of the data and content you upload (e.g., profile pictures, CVs). By posting content on the Platform, you grant Guide Connect a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

12. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use the Platform to:

  • Violate any applicable national or international law, including the laws of Iceland and the European Economic Area (EEA).
  • Post false, misleading, or defamatory information.
  • Upload viruses, malicious code, or use any data mining or extraction tools.
  • Interfere with the proper working of the Platform or attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems.
  • Use the Platform to circumvent the subscription fee or for any purpose other than facilitating staffing and tours in Icelandic tourism.

13. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer

Guide Connect acts solely as a facilitator for connections between Guides and Agencies.

  • No Warranty: We do not warrant the quality, safety, or legality of any Tour or the qualifications, background, or conduct of any User.
  • No Responsibility: Guide Connect is not responsible for the outcome of any interaction, negotiation, or contract between Guides and Agencies. All risks associated with an Tour, including payment, quality of service, and cancellations, remain with the respective Guide and Agency.
  • Limitation: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Guide Connect will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of the Platform.

14. Data Protection

Guide Connect processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data is processed solely for purposes necessary to provide the service and is not shared with third parties unless required by law or with explicit consent.

The Guide Connect Privacy Policy forms an integral part of these terms.

Read our full Privacy Policy

15. Force Majeure

Guide Connect is not liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond its control, including natural disasters, disruptions to communications or power supply, changes in legislation, or governmental orders.

16. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice or liability, if you breach these Terms or misuse the Platform.

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Iceland, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall, where applicable, be brought before the Icelandic courts.

18. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Terms on this page and/or sending an email notification.

19. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@guideconnect.is.