The Tourism IndustryComposite of industries and entities, both public and privateInvolved in the planning, development, marketing, sales & promotion, evaluation of destinations, products and servicesCaters to the needs of travelers, both foreign and domestic

Government Sector Department of TourismPhil. Convention & Visitors Corp. (PCVC) marketing armPhil. Tourism Authority (PTA) implementing armLocal Government Units (LGUs)Other National Govt. Units (NGUs)

Private SectorTransportation companies land, sea, air & rail (others like calesa in included)Hostelry industry accommodation establishmentsEntertainment industry Travel trade tour operator, tour guidesOther private sector entities

Tour GuideAn individual, who, either as an employee or affiliate of a duly licensed travel & tour agency, GUIDE tourist, both foreign and domestic, for a fee, commission or any lawful form of remuneration.

As a professionMust be Filipino citizen;At least 2nd year college;Pass the qualifying interview by DOT;Must undergo and pass a DOT-sponsored seminar;LGU licensed;DOT accredited.

Kinds of Tour GuidesFree Lance not permanently connencted with any travel agency and paid per trip.

Staff Guide permanently connected with a travel agency, receives monthly salary.

Types of Tour GuidesLocal guide a person competent enough to guide in a certain locality or area.

Escort person who accompanies a group of tourists from the point of origin to the destination, and back to the origin. Usually handles groups check in and check out.

Specialist person who specializes in a certain field such as botany, architecture, etc.

Linguist person who speaks fluently two or more foreign languages.

Eco-tour Guide- members of the community

Qualities of an effective tour GuideLove of countryPleasing personalityMust have a genuine interest in peopleResourcefulnessTrustworthyTactfulnessGood sense of leadershipGood communication skills

Good healthPunctualResponsible, sensible and dedicatedConfidentGood sense of humorAnalytical mindset ( above-normal perception)

Tour Guiding TechniquesPre tour:Study your tour assignmentBe aware of the composition of the groupReview itineraryBe reminded of cash advances, vouchers neededKnow your vehicle to be used, plate number and name of driver or coordinator.

On TourBe punctualMake sure you have complete name of guests, cash advances and tour vouchersCheck your transport amenitiesMeet and greet the groupDiscuss itinerary and check other concerns

Deliver commentariesAnnounce inclusions of the tour and what to expectEnd your day/tour by thanking the guestsAnnounce the next days itinerary/program and give instructions

Post TourGather all collected vouchersPrepare tour guides reportSubmit tour report to immediately after the tourAccomplish financial report with receipts, vouchers and other assignmentsLiquidate ( if necessary)

Tour Guide is expected to beAmbassador Front liner in the tourism industryWatchdog of the tour operatorGo-between or link between various suppliers and the tour operator/guestLecturer of the clients/guests/touristsTimekeeper Shepherd looks after the well-being of the flock, makes sure that the flock moves in unison from one place to another without losing a single sheep.

Walking guided toursDo know your subject. A keen interest in the subject is a major plus.Do walk at pace that everybody can keep up with you.Do warn your group about traffic if you have to cross roads. Sometimes it's not clear which direction traffic is going to come from.Do turn up on time, and regardless of weather.

Do remember you are an ambassador for your country to an extent. Be pleasant!

Do end your explanation of each stop with a short, pithy summary of what they have just seen.

Don't get involved in discussions with individual group members. The whole group has paid to listen to you. Tell them you'll answer questions at the end when finished if they have any.

Don't get into too much technical or historical detail.

Guides conductGuides must treat each customer with equal importanceSmoking by a guide in the presence of clients is unacceptableDrinking by a guide is prohibitedDerogatory comments of any kind will not be toleratedGuides must refrain from making general comments about individuals from other countries.Romantic encounters with trip members must be refrained from at all timeInappropriate sexual behaviour , comments or innuendoes are unacceptable.

It is thereforeOne of the most attractive jobs in the travel industryRequires a lot of values and ethicsRepresents the country and the peopleGood paying jobFlexible time but no time limit

Service orientedPhysically demandingGives a better understanding of the different culturesHelps develop a well-rounded personality

The EndThank You