1. Tour Guiding As a Profession and its Principles and Techniques

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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.

16. 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

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

18. The End Thank You