A tour guide is responsible for escorting tourists, coordinating transportation and accommodations, leading tour groups, providing commentary on local attractions and points of interest, and handling any operational issues that arise. The job requires a 4-year degree in tourism or social sciences and in-house training. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as extensive knowledge of the local cultural and natural heritage. Tour guides must be in good health, patient, mature, responsible, and dedicated to ensure tourists have a positive experience. The career offers opportunities for advancement to tour director or operator and steady employment prospects due to growing tourism demand.
2. Tasks of a tour guide:·Escort tourists and look after their comfort; ·Coordinate pre-arranged accomodation and transport; ·Lead tour groups, advice tour members of local interest points; ·Prepare and present tour commentaries; ·Coordinate pre-arranged tour activites such as visits to local attractions, museums, restaurant or shops, cruises and extended tours; ·Research on the cultural and natural heritage of an area; ·Attend to operational problems such as booking errors and amendments, lost luggage, illness, and provide first aid if needed; ·Maintain written reports of daily activities and carry out administrative work.
3. Basic Educational Requirement : The job of a Tour Guide requires completion of a four-year degree course in social sciences, preferably a BS in Tourism. In-house training is normally conducted for those who qualify for the job. Skills and Competencies: · Ability to articulate with a clear speaking voice; · Organizational skills; · Ability to think logically; · Excellent communication skills; · Excellent general knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of an area; · Ability and enthusiasm in working for the public.
4. Physical Attributes and Characteristics ·Good health; ·Patient; ·Mature; ·Able to accept responsibility; ·Dedicated and dependable.
26. Tour Operator Salary/Compensation: Tour Guides usually receive an average monthly salary of P9,781. Cost of Education : A degree in BS Tourism cost around P25,000 to P35,000 per semester. * Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007 – 2008.
27. Prospects for Career Advancement Tour guides may advance to managerial positions such as Tour Manager whose job carries more responsibilities and wider scope of work. The Tour Manager manages pre-arranged touring components and acts as the principal point of reference and assistance to members of the tour groups. It is also his responsibility to look after the welfare of the group. The Tour Manager is often accompanied by a local tour guide who provides in-depth local information and assistance. Employment Opportunities The growth in tourist arrivals for the past recent years and the same increasing trend expected in the next five years will boost the demand for tourism services such as travel agencies, tour operators and tour guides. At present, the job of a Tour Guide is considered a critical skill: the supply cannot meet the demand of the industry. Those who undergo training can, therefore, find ample job opportunities.
