TOUR GUIDE

Tour guides accompany visitors onlocal tours and provide general guideservices. They give information on history,archeology, monuments and works of art,the environment, culture, places ofinterest/attractions, and any matters ofinterest to the visitor.

TasksEscort tourists and look after theircomfort;Coordinate pre-arrangedaccomodation and transport;Lead tour groups, advice tourmembers of local interest points;Prepare and present tourcommentaries;Coordinate pre-arranged touractivites such as visits to localattractions, museums, restaurant orshops, cruises and extended tours;Research on the cultural and naturalheritage of an area;Attend to operational problems suchas booking errors and amendments,lost luggage, illness, and provide firstaid if needed;Maintain written reports of dailyactivities and carry out administrativework.

Basic Educational RequirementThe job of a Tour Guide requires

completion of a four-year degree coursein social sciences, preferably a BS inTourism. In-house training is normallyconducted for those who qualify for thejob.

Skills and CompetenciesAbility to articulate with a clearspeaking voice;

Organizational skills;Ability to think logically;Excellent communication skills;Excellent general knowledge of thecultural and natural heritage of anarea;Ability and enthusiasm in working forthe public.

Physical Attributes and CharacteristicsGood health;Patient;Mature;Able to accept responsibility;Dedicated and dependable.

Salary/CompensationTour Guides usually receive an

average monthly salary of P9,781.

Prospects for Career AdvancementTour guides may advance to

managerial positions such as TourManager whose job carries moreresponsibilities and wider scope of work.The Tour Manager manages pre-arranged touring components and actsas the principal point of reference andassistance to members of the tour groups.It is also his responsibility to look after thewelfare of the group. The Tour Manager isoften accompanied by a local tour guidewho provides in-depth local informationand assistance.

Employment OpportunitiesThe growth in tourist arrivals for the

past recent years and the sameincreasing trend expected in the next fiveyears will boost the demand for tourismservices such as travel agencies, touroperators and tour guides.

At present, the job of a Tour Guide isconsidered a critical skill: the supplycannot meet the demand of the industry.Those who undergo training can,therefore, find ample job opportunities.

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