Tour Guiding As a Profession and its Principles and Techniques

The Tourism Industry Composite of industries and entities, both public and private Involved in the planning, development, marketing, sales & promotion, evaluation of destinations, products and services Caters to the needs of travelers, both foreign and domestic

Government Sector Department of Tourism Phil. Convention & Visitors Corp. (PCVC) – marketing arm Phil. Tourism Authority (PTA) – implementing arm Local Government Units (LGUs) Other National Gov’t. Units (NGUs)

Private Sector Transportation companies – land, sea, air & rail (others like calesa in included) Hostelry industry – accommodation establishments Entertainment industry Travel trade – tour operator, tour guides Other private sector entities

Tour Guide An 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 profession… Must 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 Guides Free 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 Guides Local 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 group’s 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.

Qualities of an effective tour Guide Love of country Pleasing personality Must have a genuine interest in people Resourcefulness Trustworthy Tactfulness Good sense of leadership Good communication skills

Good health Punctual Responsible, sensible and dedicated Confident Good sense of humor Analytical mindset ( above-normal perception)

Tour Guiding Techniques Pre – tour: Study your tour assignment Be aware of the composition of the group Review itinerary Be reminded of cash advances, vouchers needed Know your vehicle to be used, plate number and name of driver or coordinator.

On Tour Be punctual Make sure you have complete name of guests, cash advances and tour vouchers Check your transport amenities Meet and greet the group Discuss itinerary and check other concerns

Deliver commentaries Announce inclusions of the tour and what to expect End your day/tour by thanking the guests Announce the next day’s itinerary/program and give instructions

Post Tour Gather all collected vouchers Prepare tour guide’s report Submit tour report to immediately after the tour Accomplish financial report with receipts, vouchers and other assignments Liquidate ( if necessary)

Tour Guide is expected to be… Ambassador Front liner in the tourism industry Watchdog of the tour operator Go-between or link between various suppliers and the tour operator/guest Lecturer of the clients/guests/tourists Timekeeper 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.

It is therefore… One of the most attractive jobs in the travel industry Requires a lot of values and ethics Represents the country and the people Good paying job Flexible time – but no time limit

Service – oriented Physically demanding Gives a better understanding of the different cultures Helps develop a well-rounded personality Not an 8-5 job.

The End Thank You