Sources: European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations

Department of Tourism of Philippines

Composite of industries and entities, both public and

private
Involved in the
o 1. planning & development
o 2. evaluation of destinations, products and services
o 3. management and operations (hostelry, amusement parks,

tourism information etc.)

o 4. marketing, sales & promotion of tourism products

Caters to the needs of travelers, both foreign and domestic

 Product

is not brought to the consumer;

The tourism product is not used up, it doesnt
exhaust the countrys natural resources;
People-oriented;
Labor-intensive;
Multi-dimensional;
Seasonal;
Dynamic;
Characterized by the changing ideas of its
customers.

Ministry of SMEs (IMM), Business Environment and

Tourism Minister - Mrs. Grapini)

National Association of the Tourism Agencies in Romania

Federation of Tourism Associations

Other public but non-governmental (NGOs, Consultancy

Offices, Other Tourism Associations (such as ANTREC
rural tourism association in Romania),

Transportation companies land, sea, air & rail

Hotel industry accommodation establishments

Entertainment industry

Travel trade tour operator, tour guides

Other private sector entities

People who leave their homes

to temporarily visit a place

They should be spending and

not earning money from the
place they visit

Reasons can be pleasure,

meetings or seminars

With the intention of learning

something about the place
like its history, people, culture

Please carefully observe the Structure of the Tourist Experience at the right. The Tourism
Industry should cater for these needs. You may be asked at the exam about this

(DEFINITION) An individual, who (either as an employee or

affiliate of a proper licensed travel & tour agency) GUIDES
tourists both foreign and domestic (by providing assistance,
information and cultural, historical and contemporary
heritage interpretation), for a fee, commission or any lawful
form of remuneration.

Tour Guide (US), Tourist Guide (EU)

Free Lance not permanently connected with any travel

agency and paid per trip.

Staff Guide permanently connected with a travel agency,

receives monthly salary.

Local guide a person competent enough to guide in a

certain locality or area.

National guide a person competent enough to guide

long itineraries in a certain country.

Escort (nsoitor) 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. or in a certain niche activity
(adventure, high mountain, glaciers/volcanos etc.)

Linguist /Interpreter person who speaks fluently two or

more foreign languages.

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)

 Provide

them information and explanations about

the place honestly without prejudice;

Ensure

a factual presentation, make sure to

distinguish the truth stories, legends, traditions;

Act

fairly and reasonably in all dealings with

colleagues and co-workers;

Always

act with tact and diplomacy in dealing with

the guests

 Always

report for duty healthy and positive

Never take advantage of the ignorance of the tourists
Never allow yourself to be used by unscrupulous
organizations who want to take advantage of the
tourists
Use common sense and be honest by saying I dont
know,I will check,..

Protect the reputation of tourism by making every

assignment a treat, with respect to the environment,
wildlife, sights & monuments, local customs & traditions

Act responsibly as representative of the country and the

people

Ensure guests safety, warn them on:

o Food and drinks that might not suit their digestive system (allergies

to nuts, raw milk etc.)

o Elevation for those with vertigo and fear of height
o Dogs that might bite
o Presence of pickpockets in crowded areas

 PRE

tour:

o Study your tour assignment

o Be aware of the composition of the group
o Review itinerary (+ stops to toilets / stores / gas station)
o Be reminded of cash advances, vouchers needed
o 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 days itinerary/program and give instructions

 POST

- Tour:

Prepare tour guides report

Submit tour report to immediately after the tour

Accomplish financial report with receipts, vouchers and

other assignments

Be prepared, study the destination

Plan your spiel (speech) or commentary, it should be
structured
Have an update on the local and global news and
environmental issues
Intercede when necessary in the interaction with the guest
and the locals
Be aware on the basic human behavior and attitudes

Be ready for pertinent and impertinent questions

In cases of having more than one guide, find some time to sit
down, discuss to synchronize information & learn from each
other

Never tell your personal life at first meeting

Never sell anything at first meeting unless they ask
Be punctual at all times. Be there at least one hour before
the tour starts
Learn map reading (!!!)
Learn how to say NO to indecent proposals
Always make a head count before, during and after the tour,
especially on stops
Be practical when making judgment, think if the benefit of
the majority, Be a good decision maker
Learn basic first aid

Language proficiency (fluent English !)

Use simple, easy to understand words

Use synonyms to explain, to describe something

Use non-verbal communication in a difficult thing or

situation (gestures, pointing etc.)

Speak audibly, not too soft and not too loud

Conduct your commentary in a relaxed, entertaining

manner (they came here to enjoy, remember !!)

 Ambassador
Front

of his region/country

liner in the tourism industry

Watchdog

of the tour operator

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.

One of the most attractive jobs in the travel industry

Requires a lot of values and ethics

Represents the country and the people

Relatively good paying job (but mostly self-rewarding)

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 !