Terms of service

Last updated: 10 August 2026

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the GuidesUnited platform and services.

GuidesUnited is operated by Cultural Switzerland Tourism, a Swiss company (“GuidesUnited”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).

GuidesUnited provides an online marketplace through which independent professional tour guides and other activity providers (“Guides” or “Suppliers”) can offer tours, excursions, experiences and other tourism services (“Activities”) to travelers (“Customers”, “you” or “your”).

By accessing or using GuidesUnited, creating an account, submitting a booking, or purchasing an Activity through the platform, you agree to these Terms.

1. About GuidesUnited

1.1 Our role

GuidesUnited operates an online marketplace connecting Customers with independent Guides.

GuidesUnited does not itself provide, operate, organize or conduct the Activities listed on the platform unless expressly stated otherwise.

The Guide offering an Activity is responsible for providing that Activity to you.

When you book an Activity through GuidesUnited, the agreement for the provision of that Activity is concluded between you and the Guide. GuidesUnited facilitates the booking and payment process as an intermediary.

GuidesUnited is therefore not the tour guide, activity provider, employer, agent, employee or legal representative of the Guide in relation to the performance of the Activity.

1.2 Independent Guides

Guides listed on GuidesUnited are independent service providers.

They are responsible for determining how they provide their Activities, subject to the information, conditions and requirements published on GuidesUnited and applicable law.

The Guide is responsible for ensuring that they have all qualifications, permits, licenses, registrations and insurance required to legally provide their Activities.

1.3 Platform information

Information concerning an Activity, including its description, itinerary, photographs, meeting point, duration, requirements, inclusions, exclusions, prices and cancellation conditions, is provided by the relevant Guide.

The Guide is responsible for ensuring that such information is accurate, complete and kept up to date.

GuidesUnited may review, edit, moderate, suspend or remove listings where appropriate, but does not guarantee that every piece of information supplied by a Guide is complete or accurate.

2. Scope of these Terms

These Terms apply to all Customers who access or use GuidesUnited.

Additional conditions may apply to a specific Activity, including the cancellation policy and participation requirements specified on the Activity listing.

If an Activity has specific terms that apply to the booking, those terms will be displayed to you before or during the booking process.

By completing a booking, you agree to comply with these Terms and any applicable Activity-specific conditions.

3. Accounts

3.1 Creating an account

Certain features of GuidesUnited may require you to create an account.

You agree to provide accurate and current information and to keep your account information up to date.

3.2 Account security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for activities carried out through your account.

You must notify us promptly if you believe your account has been accessed without authorization.

3.3 One account

Unless expressly permitted by GuidesUnited, you may maintain only one personal Customer account.

You may not transfer your account to another person.

4. Activities and Bookings

4.1 Selecting an Activity

You can browse Activities offered by independent Guides and select an Activity based on the information displayed on the platform.

Before completing a booking, you should carefully review:

• the date and time;
• the number of participants;
• the meeting point;
• the duration;
• what is included and excluded;
• participation requirements;
• any health, physical or age requirements;
• the cancellation policy;
• any additional costs; and
• any other special conditions specified by the Guide.

4.2 Booking

When you submit a booking request and complete the required payment, you are making a request to purchase the selected Activity from the Guide.

A booking is confirmed when GuidesUnited sends you a booking confirmation on behalf of the Guide.

The booking confirmation constitutes confirmation of the contractual relationship between you and the Guide concerning the Activity.

4.3 Contractual relationship

The contract for the provision of the Activity is between you and the Guide.

GuidesUnited acts as an intermediary and facilitates the conclusion of this contract.

GuidesUnited is not the provider of the Activity unless expressly stated otherwise.

5. Prices and Platform Fees

5.1 Activity price

The price displayed during the booking process is the price applicable to the selected Activity, subject to any clearly disclosed additional charges.

5.2 GuidesUnited platform fee

GuidesUnited may receive a platform or service fee in connection with bookings made through the platform.

The applicable fee may be incorporated into the price paid by the Customer or otherwise calculated as part of the transaction.

The amount or structure of the platform fee may vary and may be changed by GuidesUnited from time to time.

Any applicable price payable by you will be displayed before you complete your booking.

5.3 Guide payment

GuidesUnited may collect payment from the Customer on behalf of the Guide.

After applicable deductions, including the GuidesUnited platform fee and any other amounts agreed with the Guide, GuidesUnited transfers the applicable amount to the Guide.

Payment to GuidesUnited constitutes payment to the Guide to the extent permitted by applicable law.

6. Payment

You must provide accurate and valid payment information and confirm that you are authorized to use the selected payment method.

Payment may be processed through third-party payment service providers.

Additional terms of the relevant payment service provider may apply.

GuidesUnited may refuse, suspend or cancel a transaction where there is a reasonable suspicion of fraud, unauthorized payment activity, misuse of the platform or violation of these Terms.

7. Cancellation, Changes and Refunds

7.1 Guide-specific cancellation policy

Each Guide selects one of the cancellation periods offered by GuidesUnited for their Activity:

• 24-hour cancellation policy
• 48-hour cancellation policy
• 72-hour cancellation policy

The applicable cancellation period will be clearly displayed on the Activity listing before booking.

7.2 Cancellation by the Customer

Unless otherwise stated in the Activity listing, you may cancel an Activity and receive a refund in accordance with the cancellation policy applicable to that Activity.

The relevant deadline is calculated according to the local time of the Activity.

For example, where a Guide has selected a 24-hour cancellation policy, cancellation must be received more than 24 hours before the scheduled start time to qualify for the applicable refund.

7.3 Late cancellation and no-show

If you cancel after the applicable cancellation deadline, or fail to appear at the agreed meeting point at the required time, you may lose your right to a refund.

The applicable consequences will be determined by the cancellation conditions displayed for the Activity.

7.4 Changes

Requests to change a booking, including the date, time or number of participants, are subject to the Guide's availability and applicable Activity conditions.

A change is not confirmed until you receive confirmation from GuidesUnited or the Guide.

7.5 Cancellation by the Guide

A Guide may cancel an Activity where circumstances make the Activity impossible, unsafe or substantially impracticable.

Examples include severe weather, government restrictions, strikes, natural disasters, illness, safety concerns or other circumstances beyond the Guide's reasonable control.

Where a Guide cancels an Activity and the applicable cancellation conditions provide for a refund, GuidesUnited will process the refund to the Customer.

GuidesUnited is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by a Customer as a result of a Guide's cancellation, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

8. Meeting Points and Punctuality

You are responsible for arriving at the specified meeting point on time.

The meeting point and starting time will be stated in the Activity listing or booking confirmation.

You should allow sufficient time for traffic, public transportation, security checks and other potential delays.

If you arrive late, the Guide may be unable to wait or modify the Activity.

Unless otherwise stated in the applicable Activity conditions, a late arrival or no-show may be treated as a cancellation by the Customer without refund.

9. Changes to Activities

Guides may make reasonable and minor changes to an itinerary where necessary due to circumstances that arise after booking.

Examples may include:

• temporary closures;
• weather conditions;
• transportation disruptions;
• local events;
• safety considerations;
• changes imposed by authorities; or
• other circumstances beyond the Guide's reasonable control.

Where a material change substantially affects the Activity, the Customer will be informed where reasonably possible and applicable refund or cancellation rights will apply.

10. Customer Responsibilities

You agree to:

• provide accurate booking information;
• comply with the Guide's reasonable instructions;
• comply with applicable laws and regulations;
• arrive at the meeting point on time;
• respect the Guide, other participants and members of the public;
• follow applicable safety instructions;
• comply with participation requirements;
• inform the Guide in advance of relevant limitations or requirements where appropriate; and
• avoid conduct that could endanger yourself or others.

You must not use GuidesUnited to engage in fraudulent, unlawful, abusive or disruptive activity.

11. Exclusion from an Activity

A Guide may refuse or discontinue your participation where reasonably necessary, including if:

• you do not satisfy stated participation requirements;
• your conduct presents a safety risk;
• you are intoxicated or otherwise unable to participate safely;
• you threaten, harass or abuse the Guide or another participant;
• you deliberately damage property;
• you seriously disrupt the Activity; or
• your participation would violate applicable law or regulations.

Where your exclusion results from your own conduct or failure to satisfy stated requirements, you may not be entitled to a refund.

Nothing in these Terms limits rights that cannot legally be excluded.

12. Travel Documents and Personal Requirements

You are responsible for obtaining any documents, permits, visas or other requirements necessary for your travel.

You are also responsible for determining whether you are physically and otherwise capable of participating in the selected Activity.

Where an Activity involves specific physical, medical, age, equipment or other requirements, these will be indicated in the Activity description where reasonably possible.

13. Insurance

Unless expressly stated otherwise, Activity prices do not include travel, accident, medical, personal liability or other insurance.

You are responsible for obtaining insurance appropriate to your circumstances and the Activity you book.

Guides are responsible for maintaining any insurance required by applicable law or reasonably necessary for the Activities they provide.

14. GuidesUnited's Role and Liability

GuidesUnited provides the online marketplace and booking infrastructure.

We do not control the day-to-day conduct of independent Guides and do not operate their Activities unless expressly stated otherwise.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, GuidesUnited is not responsible for:

• acts or omissions of a Guide;
• inaccurate information supplied by a Guide;
• the performance or non-performance of an Activity;
• injuries, accidents or illness occurring during an Activity;
• loss or damage to personal property;
• changes or cancellations made by a Guide;
• delays caused by third parties;
• weather or other external circumstances; or
• other losses arising directly from the provision of an Activity by a Guide.

This does not exclude or limit liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under Swiss law, including liability arising from intentional or grossly negligent conduct where such limitation is legally impermissible.

Nothing in these Terms affects mandatory statutory rights of Customers.

15. Guide Responsibility

The Guide is responsible for:

• providing the Activity as described;
• maintaining accurate Activity information;
• complying with applicable laws and regulations;
• holding required licenses, permits and professional qualifications;
• maintaining legally required insurance;
• ensuring reasonable safety measures;
• treating Customers professionally and respectfully;
• complying with applicable consumer protection requirements; and
• fulfilling the contractual obligations arising from the Activity booking.

Any claim relating primarily to the performance or delivery of an Activity should normally be directed to the Guide.

GuidesUnited may assist Customers with communication and booking-related issues where appropriate.

16. Complaints and Customer Support

If you experience a problem with a booking or Activity, you should contact GuidesUnited as soon as reasonably possible.

You may also communicate directly with the Guide.

Where appropriate, GuidesUnited may facilitate communication between the Customer and Guide in an effort to resolve the issue.

GuidesUnited does not guarantee that every dispute between a Customer and Guide can be resolved through the platform.

17. Reviews and User Content

Customers may be invited to submit reviews, ratings, photographs or other content concerning their experience.

You are responsible for the content you submit.

You must not submit content that:

• is false or deliberately misleading;
• is defamatory or unlawful;
• infringes another person's intellectual property or privacy rights;
• contains threats, harassment, hate speech or discriminatory material;
• contains malicious software; or
• is submitted in exchange for undisclosed compensation or other improper benefit.

By submitting User Content, you grant GuidesUnited a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display and distribute that content for operating, improving and promoting the GuidesUnited platform and services, subject to applicable law and our Privacy Policy.

You retain ownership of your User Content.

GuidesUnited may remove content that violates these Terms or applicable law.

18. Intellectual Property

The GuidesUnited website, platform, branding, software, design, text and other materials provided by GuidesUnited are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

Except where expressly permitted, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, sell, license or commercially exploit GuidesUnited content without prior written permission.

Activity content supplied by Guides remains subject to the applicable rights of the Guide or other rights holders.

19. Prohibited Use

You may not:

• use GuidesUnited for unlawful purposes;
• impersonate another person;
• provide false information;
• interfere with the operation of the platform;
• attempt unauthorized access to accounts or systems;
• introduce malicious software;
• scrape or systematically extract platform data without authorization;
• use bots or automated systems to access the platform without permission;
• manipulate reviews or bookings;
• commit fraud; or
• use the platform in a manner that could harm GuidesUnited, Guides or other Customers.

20. Privacy

GuidesUnited collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable Swiss data protection law.

For information about how we collect, use, store and protect personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Our Privacy Policy forms part of these Terms.

21. Suspension and Termination

GuidesUnited may suspend or terminate an account or restrict access to the platform where reasonably necessary, including where a user:

• violates these Terms;
• engages in fraudulent or unlawful activity;
• abuses another user or Guide;
• compromises platform security; or
• otherwise misuses the platform.

Where appropriate, we may provide notice before termination.

Bookings already concluded may remain subject to their applicable contractual terms.

22. Availability of the Platform

GuidesUnited aims to maintain a reliable and accessible platform but does not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

The platform may occasionally be unavailable due to maintenance, technical problems, security incidents, third-party services or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

We may modify, suspend or discontinue parts of the platform where reasonably necessary.

23. Force Majeure

GuidesUnited will not be responsible for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, war, terrorism, strikes, government action, epidemics, telecommunications failures, major technical failures or other comparable events.

This does not affect mandatory statutory rights.

24. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time, including to reflect changes in law, technology, platform functionality or our business model.

The latest version will be published on GuidesUnited with its effective date.

Where required by applicable law, we will provide appropriate notice of material changes.

Continued use of the platform after the effective date of updated Terms constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms to the extent permitted by law.

25. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

The invalid or unenforceable provision will be replaced or interpreted, to the extent legally permissible, in a manner that most closely reflects its original purpose.

26. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the applicable Activity-specific conditions and Privacy Policy, constitute the agreement governing your use of GuidesUnited, except where additional written terms expressly apply.

27. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Swiss law, subject to any mandatory consumer protection provisions applicable in the Customer's country of residence.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or the use of GuidesUnited shall be subject to the competent courts of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, with the competent court in Lausanne being the agreed place of jurisdiction where legally permissible.

Nothing in this section deprives consumers of any mandatory right to bring proceedings before another court where such right cannot legally be excluded.

28. Contact

GuidesUnited is operated by:

Cultural Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland

Email: info@guidesunited.com

For questions concerning bookings, Activities, accounts or these Terms, please contact us at the above email address.

Version: 1.0
Last updated: 10 August 2026

GuidesUnited – Guide / Supplier Terms and Conditions

Version: 1.0 — 10 August 2026

These Guide / Supplier Terms and Conditions (“Guide Terms”) govern the relationship between Cultural Switzerland Tourism, the operator of the GuidesUnited platform (“GuidesUnited”, “we”, “us” or “our”), and any guide, tour operator, activity provider or other professional or independent service provider offering tours, activities, experiences or other tourism services through the GuidesUnited platform (“Guide”, “Supplier”, “you” or “your”).

By registering as a Guide, creating an activity, accepting a reservation, or otherwise using the GuidesUnited platform as a Supplier, you agree to these Guide Terms.

These Guide Terms should be read together with the applicable activity information, booking conditions, cancellation policy and any other specific terms displayed or agreed for an individual activity.

1. About GuidesUnited

1.1 Platform

GuidesUnited is an online marketplace designed to connect travelers with independent guides and tourism professionals offering tours, experiences and other travel-related services.

GuidesUnited provides the technological and commercial infrastructure through which Guides can:

• create and manage activity listings;
• present their services to travelers;
• receive booking requests and reservations;
• communicate with customers;
• receive payments for completed or valid bookings; and
• obtain access to other platform and marketplace services.

1.2 Independent Guides

Unless expressly stated otherwise for a particular activity, Guides using GuidesUnited are independent service providers.

A Guide is not an employee, partner, representative, agent or legal representative of Cultural Switzerland Tourism or GuidesUnited merely because the Guide uses the platform.

The Guide remains responsible for the actual provision and delivery of the activity booked by the customer.

1.3 No transfer of professional responsibility

The Guide remains responsible for:

• the accuracy of information provided about the activity;
• having the qualifications, permits, registrations and authorizations required for the activity;
• complying with applicable laws and regulations;
• the safety and proper conduct of the activity;
• providing the activity as described;
• communicating relevant information to customers; and
• maintaining any insurance required by law or reasonably appropriate for the activity.

2. Eligibility to become a Guide

To offer activities through GuidesUnited, you must:

1. be legally capable of entering into a binding contract;
2. provide accurate and complete information about yourself or your business;
3. provide accurate payment information;
4. comply with all applicable laws and regulations;
5. possess any licenses, permits, qualifications or authorizations required for the services you offer; and
6. provide documentation reasonably requested by GuidesUnited for identity, professional qualification, insurance, tax, legal or compliance purposes.

GuidesUnited may refuse, suspend or terminate a Guide account where information provided by the Guide is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or fraudulent, or where the Guide otherwise violates these Guide Terms.

3. Guide Account

3.1 Account information

The Guide must provide accurate and up-to-date information when creating an account.

This may include:

• legal name or business name;
• address;
• email address;
• telephone number;
• payment information;
• professional information;
• relevant licenses or qualifications;
• insurance information where applicable; and
• information required for legal or tax compliance.

3.2 Responsibility for account

The Guide is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of account credentials and for all activities carried out through the Guide account.

The Guide must notify GuidesUnited promptly if the account is compromised or unauthorized access is suspected.

3.3 One account

GuidesUnited may limit the number of accounts associated with the same Guide or business where necessary to maintain the integrity of the platform.

4. Creating and publishing activities

4.1 Accurate activity information

The Guide is responsible for ensuring that every activity listing is accurate, complete and not misleading.

Activity information may include:

• title;
• description;
• itinerary;
• duration;
• meeting point;
• end point;
• available dates and times;
• group size;
• price;
• inclusions and exclusions;
• accessibility information;
• physical requirements;
• age restrictions;
• required equipment;
• safety requirements;
• cancellation policy; and
• other information relevant to the customer's decision to book.

4.2 No misleading information

The Guide must not publish information that is false, materially misleading, deceptive or likely to create an incorrect expectation regarding the activity.

The Guide must promptly update an activity if circumstances change materially.

4.3 Availability

The Guide is responsible for maintaining accurate availability.

A Guide must not knowingly accept a booking for a date or time when the Guide is unable to provide the activity.

Repeatedly accepting bookings that cannot be fulfilled may result in suspension or termination of the Guide account.

4.4 Prices

The Guide determines the price of the activity, subject to any pricing arrangements agreed with GuidesUnited.

GuidesUnited may display the Guide's price together with applicable platform charges, taxes or other amounts where required or appropriate.

5. Guide's cancellation policy

5.1 Activity-specific cancellation policy

Each activity must have a clearly defined cancellation policy.

The Guide may choose one of the cancellation periods made available by GuidesUnited, including:

• cancellation more than 24 hours before the activity;
• cancellation more than 48 hours before the activity; or
• cancellation more than 72 hours before the activity.

GuidesUnited may make additional cancellation options available in the future.

5.2 Disclosure during reservation

The applicable cancellation period will be clearly displayed to the customer during the reservation process.

The cancellation policy applicable to a particular reservation is the policy displayed and accepted at the time the reservation is made.

Once a reservation has been confirmed, the Guide may not retroactively change the cancellation conditions applicable to that reservation.

5.3 Customer cancellations

Where a customer cancels within the period allowing a refund under the applicable cancellation policy, GuidesUnited will process the cancellation and refund in accordance with the applicable booking terms.

Where the customer cancels after the applicable cancellation deadline, the booking may remain payable to the Guide, subject to the applicable booking terms and any mandatory legal rights of the customer.

5.4 No-show

Unless otherwise stated in the activity-specific terms, a customer's failure to appear at the agreed meeting point at the agreed time may be treated as a no-show and may not entitle the customer to a refund.

The Guide must nevertheless act reasonably and in accordance with the information provided to the customer.

6. Changes and cancellations by the Guide

6.1 Guide obligation to provide the activity

Once a reservation has been accepted, the Guide is expected to provide the activity as booked.

A Guide should only cancel a confirmed reservation where reasonably necessary.

6.2 Exceptional circumstances

A Guide may cancel or modify an activity where circumstances beyond the Guide's reasonable control make the activity impossible, unsafe or materially impracticable.

Such circumstances may include, depending on the circumstances:

• severe weather;
• natural disasters;
• government restrictions;
• strikes;
• transport disruptions;
• serious safety concerns;
• illness or accident;
• force majeure; or
• other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the Guide's reasonable control.

6.3 Guide cancellation

If a Guide cancels a confirmed activity, the Guide must notify GuidesUnited as soon as reasonably possible and provide an explanation where requested.

Where the cancellation is attributable to the Guide and not to circumstances beyond the Guide's reasonable control, GuidesUnited may:

• refund the customer;
• deduct the relevant amount from future payments;
• suspend the affected activity;
• charge or withhold applicable amounts where permitted under the agreement; and/or
• take other reasonable measures to protect customers and the integrity of the platform.

Repeated or unjustified Guide cancellations may result in suspension or termination.

6.4 Customer compensation

Nothing in these Guide Terms prevents a customer from exercising mandatory rights available under applicable law.

7. Performance of the activity

The Guide is responsible for delivering the activity substantially as described in the booking.

The Guide must:

• arrive at the agreed meeting point on time;
• provide the activity for the agreed duration, subject to reasonable changes;
• provide the services and inclusions advertised;
• communicate material changes to the customer;
• behave professionally and respectfully;
• comply with applicable safety requirements;
• comply with applicable laws and regulations; and
• take reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of participants.

7.1 Reasonable itinerary changes

The Guide may make reasonable and immaterial changes to an itinerary where necessary because of circumstances that could not reasonably have been anticipated at the time of booking.

Material changes should be communicated to the customer as soon as reasonably possible.

Where a material change substantially affects the booked activity, the customer may have rights to cancellation or refund in accordance with applicable law and the circumstances of the booking.

8. Safety and legal compliance

The Guide is solely responsible for ensuring that the activity can legally and safely be provided.

Depending on the nature of the activity, the Guide must maintain all required:

• professional qualifications;
• licenses;
• permits;
• registrations;
• authorizations;
• vehicle or transport permissions;
• insurance policies; and
• other legally required documentation.

GuidesUnited does not guarantee that a Guide's qualifications, licenses or insurance are sufficient for every activity unless GuidesUnited has expressly confirmed such verification.

The Guide must immediately notify GuidesUnited if a required license, permit, qualification or insurance policy expires, is suspended, cancelled or otherwise becomes invalid.

9. Insurance

The Guide is responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance coverage for the activities provided.

Where required by applicable law, the Guide must maintain professional liability, public liability, vehicle or other relevant insurance.

GuidesUnited may request evidence of insurance where reasonably necessary.

The existence of insurance does not transfer the Guide's contractual or legal responsibilities to GuidesUnited.

10. Customer communication

GuidesUnited may provide communication tools allowing Guides and customers to communicate.

The Guide must use these tools professionally and only for legitimate purposes connected with the booking or activity.

The Guide must not use customer information obtained through GuidesUnited to:

• send unsolicited marketing;
• sell or transfer customer information;
• add customers to unrelated mailing lists without a valid legal basis and, where required, consent;
• circumvent GuidesUnited's platform; or
• engage in fraudulent, abusive or unlawful activity.

Where a customer requests information relating to an existing reservation, the Guide should respond within a reasonable period.

11. Direct bookings and platform circumvention

GuidesUnited is intended to facilitate transactions between Guides and customers.

A Guide must not intentionally use information obtained through GuidesUnited to circumvent the platform by moving a customer to an external booking channel for the purpose of avoiding applicable GuidesUnited platform fees.

This does not prevent a Guide from conducting independent business with customers where the relationship was established independently of GuidesUnited and without misuse of information obtained through the platform.

GuidesUnited may take reasonable action against systematic attempts to circumvent the platform.

12. Platform fees and Guide payments

12.1 Platform fee

GuidesUnited charges the Guide a platform/service fee for the use of its marketplace and related services.

The applicable fee may vary depending on the activity, commercial arrangement, promotional conditions or other factors.

The applicable fee will be communicated to the Guide through the platform or the applicable commercial agreement.

GuidesUnited does not guarantee that the platform fee will remain unchanged.

12.2 Customer payment

Unless otherwise agreed, the customer pays the booking amount through the payment system made available by GuidesUnited.

GuidesUnited receives the customer payment and transfers the amount due to the Guide after deduction of the applicable GuidesUnited platform fee and any other amounts properly payable or agreed.

12.3 Payment to the Guide

The Guide authorizes GuidesUnited to receive customer payments on the Guide's behalf for bookings made through the platform.

Payment made by the customer to GuidesUnited in accordance with the booking constitutes payment to the Guide to the extent legally applicable.

The Guide's payment will be made using the payment method and payment schedule communicated through the platform or otherwise agreed between the parties.

12.4 Refunds

Where a customer is entitled to a refund, GuidesUnited may deduct the refunded amount from amounts otherwise payable to the Guide.

Where the Guide has already received the relevant amount, GuidesUnited may offset the refund against future amounts payable to the Guide, where legally permitted.

12.5 Payment disputes and chargebacks

Where a customer disputes a payment, requests a chargeback, or a payment is reversed by a payment provider, GuidesUnited may temporarily withhold the corresponding amount while the matter is investigated.

Where the chargeback or payment reversal relates to the Guide's acts, omissions or failure to provide the booked activity, the corresponding amount may be deducted from amounts payable to the Guide, where legally permitted.

13. Taxes

The Guide is responsible for determining and fulfilling their own tax obligations arising from their activities and payments received through GuidesUnited.

This may include, depending on the Guide's circumstances:

• income tax;
• corporate tax;
• VAT;
• social security contributions;
• withholding obligations; and
• other applicable taxes or contributions.

GuidesUnited does not provide individual tax advice to Guides.

14. Reviews and customer feedback

Customers may submit reviews, ratings and feedback regarding activities.

GuidesUnited may publish customer reviews and ratings on the platform.

Guides may not:

• submit fake reviews;
• arrange or encourage fraudulent reviews;
• offer customers compensation in exchange for a positive review;
• manipulate ratings;
• impersonate customers; or
• otherwise interfere with the integrity of the review system.

GuidesUnited may remove or restrict reviews where reasonably necessary, including where they violate applicable law or platform rules.

15. Guide content and intellectual property

15.1 Guide ownership

The Guide retains ownership of photographs, text, videos, logos, trademarks and other materials uploaded to GuidesUnited (“Guide Content”), subject to the license granted below.

15.2 License to GuidesUnited

By uploading Guide Content, the Guide grants GuidesUnited a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, adapt, translate, distribute and communicate the Guide Content for the purpose of:

• operating the GuidesUnited platform;
• displaying and promoting the Guide's activities;
• marketing GuidesUnited;
• communicating with customers;
• improving the platform; and
• distributing the activity through GuidesUnited's permitted marketing or distribution channels.

This license continues for as long as the relevant Guide Content remains on the platform and for a reasonable period thereafter where necessary for archival, legal or technical purposes.

15.3 Rights of third parties

The Guide represents that they have the necessary rights and permissions to upload and authorize the use of all Guide Content.

The Guide must not upload content that infringes another person's copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity or other rights.

If photographs contain identifiable persons, the Guide must ensure that the necessary permissions have been obtained where required by law.

16. Customer data and privacy

GuidesUnited and the Guide may process customer personal data in connection with bookings and the provision of activities.

Each party must comply with applicable data protection laws.

The Guide may only use customer information received through GuidesUnited for legitimate purposes connected with the booking and delivery of the activity, unless another lawful basis permits additional processing.

The Guide must take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect customer information against unauthorized access, loss, disclosure or misuse.

The Guide must not sell customer information or use it for unrelated commercial purposes.

Further information about GuidesUnited's processing of personal data is provided in the GuidesUnited Privacy Policy.

17. Prohibited activities

A Guide must not use GuidesUnited to offer or provide activities that:

• are illegal;
• involve unlawful discrimination;
• involve exploitation or abuse;
• infringe third-party rights;
• contain materially misleading information;
• involve fraudulent transactions;
• create an unreasonable or undisclosed safety risk;
• violate applicable tourism regulations;
• violate sanctions or applicable financial laws; or
• otherwise violate applicable law.

GuidesUnited may immediately suspend an activity where there is a reasonable concern regarding illegality, fraud, safety or serious customer harm.

18. Platform availability

GuidesUnited will make reasonable efforts to maintain the platform, but does not guarantee that the platform will always be available, uninterrupted or error-free.

The platform may occasionally be unavailable due to:

• maintenance;
• technical failures;
• security incidents;
• third-party service interruptions;
• payment provider failures;
• telecommunications problems; or
• circumstances beyond GuidesUnited's reasonable control.

GuidesUnited may modify, suspend or discontinue platform features where reasonably necessary.

19. GuidesUnited's role and liability

GuidesUnited operates a marketplace and technology platform connecting customers with independent Guides.

Unless expressly stated otherwise for a particular service, GuidesUnited does not itself provide the tour, experience or activity offered by the Guide.

The Guide remains responsible for the actual provision of the activity.

To the extent permitted by mandatory applicable law, GuidesUnited is not responsible for:

• the Guide's acts or omissions;
• the Guide's failure to provide an activity;
• inaccurate information supplied by the Guide;
• accidents occurring during an activity;
• injury, illness or death resulting from an activity;
• loss or damage to customer property occurring during an activity;
• the Guide's failure to maintain required qualifications or insurance; or
• the Guide's violation of applicable laws or regulations.

Nothing in these Guide Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under applicable law.

20. Guide indemnification

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Guide agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Cultural Switzerland Tourism and GuidesUnited from reasonable losses, claims, liabilities, damages and costs arising from:

1. the Guide's breach of these Guide Terms;
2. the Guide's unlawful or negligent conduct;
3. the Guide's failure to provide an activity as agreed;
4. claims arising from the Guide's activity;
5. bodily injury, property damage or other loss caused by the Guide's negligence or misconduct;
6. infringement of third-party intellectual property or privacy rights through Guide Content; or
7. the Guide's failure to comply with applicable laws, permits, licenses, tax obligations or insurance requirements.

This obligation applies only to the extent that the relevant loss or claim was caused by the Guide's acts, omissions, negligence or breach.

Nothing in this section requires the Guide to indemnify GuidesUnited for losses caused by GuidesUnited's own unlawful conduct or negligence.

21. Suspension and termination

21.1 Termination by Guide

A Guide may stop using GuidesUnited and request closure of their Guide account at any time.

Existing confirmed bookings should continue to be fulfilled unless otherwise agreed or unless circumstances make performance impossible.

21.2 Termination by GuidesUnited

GuidesUnited may suspend or terminate a Guide account where reasonably necessary, including where:

• the Guide materially breaches these Guide Terms;
• the Guide provides false or misleading information;
• the Guide repeatedly cancels confirmed bookings;
• the Guide receives serious or repeated customer complaints;
• the Guide violates applicable law;
• fraud or abuse is suspected;
• the Guide attempts to circumvent platform fees;
• the Guide creates a serious safety risk; or
• the Guide's continued participation creates material legal, financial or reputational risk for GuidesUnited.

Where appropriate, GuidesUnited may provide the Guide with an opportunity to remedy the breach before termination.

Immediate suspension or termination may be applied where the circumstances reasonably require it.

21.3 Effect of termination

Termination does not automatically cancel confirmed bookings.

The parties must cooperate to determine how existing bookings will be fulfilled, transferred or cancelled.

Amounts already due and obligations that by their nature should survive termination remain unaffected.

22. Changes to these Guide Terms

GuidesUnited may amend these Guide Terms where reasonably necessary, including to reflect:

• changes in applicable law;
• changes to the platform;
• new services;
• security requirements;
• changes in business practices; or
• regulatory requirements.

Material changes will be communicated to Guides through the platform, email or another appropriate method.

Where required by law, the Guide will have the right to terminate their participation rather than accept the amended terms.

23. Force majeure

Neither party shall be responsible for a failure or delay in performing an obligation where the failure results from circumstances beyond that party's reasonable control.

Such circumstances may include natural disasters, severe weather, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government measures, strikes, epidemics, major infrastructure failures, telecommunications failures, cyber incidents or other comparable events.

The affected party shall take reasonable steps to reduce the effects of the event and resume performance as soon as reasonably possible.

24. Confidentiality

The Guide must keep confidential non-public commercial, technical and business information received from GuidesUnited.

This includes, where applicable:

• non-public pricing arrangements;
• commission arrangements;
• technical information;
• customer information;
• internal platform information; and
• other information reasonably understood to be confidential.

This obligation does not apply to information that is publicly available, independently obtained or required to be disclosed by law.

25. Relationship between the parties

Nothing in these Guide Terms creates:

• an employment relationship;
• a partnership;
• a joint venture;
• a franchise;
• a fiduciary relationship; or
• a general agency relationship

between GuidesUnited and the Guide.

The Guide remains an independent service provider.

The Guide has no authority to make representations or commitments on behalf of Cultural Switzerland Tourism or GuidesUnited unless expressly authorized in writing.

26. Assignment

The Guide may not transfer their account or contractual rights and obligations to another person or business without the prior written consent of GuidesUnited.

GuidesUnited may transfer or assign its rights and obligations under these Guide Terms to an affiliated company or successor in connection with a restructuring, merger, acquisition or transfer of the relevant business, provided that the Guide's mandatory legal rights are not adversely affected.

27. Severability

If any provision of these Guide Terms is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

The invalid provision shall, to the extent legally possible, be replaced by a valid provision that most closely reflects its original commercial purpose.

28. Entire agreement

These Guide Terms, together with:

• the applicable activity listing;
• the activity-specific cancellation policy;
• any specific commercial agreement between GuidesUnited and the Guide; and
• other terms expressly incorporated into the relationship,

constitute the agreement between GuidesUnited and the Guide regarding the use of the platform.

In the event of a conflict, the following order shall generally apply:

1. mandatory applicable law;
2. a specific written agreement between GuidesUnited and the Guide;
3. these Guide Terms;
4. the activity-specific platform rules and technical information.

29. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Guide Terms and the relationship between GuidesUnited and the Guide are governed by Swiss law, subject to any mandatory provisions of applicable law that cannot be excluded by agreement.

To the extent legally permitted, disputes arising between Cultural Switzerland Tourism / GuidesUnited and a Guide in connection with these Guide Terms shall be submitted to the competent courts at the registered seat of Cultural Switzerland Tourism in Switzerland.

Mandatory jurisdictional rights remain unaffected.

30. Notices

Official communications relating to these Guide Terms may be sent by email, through the GuidesUnited platform, or by another appropriate electronic means.

The Guide is responsible for keeping their contact information up to date.

For legal or contractual questions concerning GuidesUnited, the Guide may contact:

Cultural Switzerland Tourism
Operator of GuidesUnited
Switzerland
Email: info@guidesunited.com

31. Acceptance

By registering as a Guide, publishing an activity, accepting a booking or continuing to use GuidesUnited as a Supplier after being provided with these Guide Terms, the Guide confirms that they have read, understood and agreed to these Guide Terms.

Cultural Switzerland Tourism reserves the right to require explicit electronic acceptance of these Guide Terms before allowing a Guide to publish activities or accept bookings.

Appendix A – Activity-Specific Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy applicable to an activity is selected by the Guide when creating or configuring the activity.

The applicable cancellation policy will be displayed clearly to the customer during the reservation process.

Option 1 – 24 hours

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the activity.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time, and no-shows, are generally non-refundable, subject to mandatory applicable law and exceptional circumstances.

Option 2 – 48 hours

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the scheduled start of the activity.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled start time, and no-shows, are generally non-refundable, subject to mandatory applicable law and exceptional circumstances.

Option 3 – 72 hours

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the scheduled start of the activity.

Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the scheduled start time, and no-shows, are generally non-refundable, subject to mandatory applicable law and exceptional circumstances.

Applicable policy

Only one cancellation policy applies to each booking.

The applicable cancellation period is the period displayed to the customer during the reservation process and in the booking confirmation.

The Guide may not subsequently apply a different cancellation period to that booking.

Appendix B – Booking and Payment Relationship

For bookings made through GuidesUnited:

Customer → GuidesUnited → Guide

The customer makes payment through the payment method provided by GuidesUnited.

GuidesUnited receives the customer payment on behalf of the Guide and subsequently transfers the amount due to the Guide after deduction of the applicable GuidesUnited platform/service fee and any other amounts properly payable under the applicable agreement.

The platform/service fee is determined by GuidesUnited and may change from time to time. The applicable fee or payment calculation will be communicated to the Guide through the platform or the relevant commercial arrangement.

Last updated: 10 August 2026

Operator:
Cultural Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland
Email: info@guidesunited.com