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