Types and Roles of Tour Guides

Systems Plus College Foundation - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management

• Location: MacArthur Highway, 2024 Balibago, Angeles City, Philippines 2009
• Phone Number: (045) 322-7723 Loc. 221 | 0919-0692892
• Fax Number: (045) 892-7489

Tour Guiding (Torge)

• This is a specialized program within the Hospitality and Tourism Management curriculum.

Chapter 1: Overview on Tour Guiding and Escorting

• This is an introductory chapter to the course.

Definition of a Tour Guide

• A tour guide is a person with in-depth knowledge of a specific region
• Their primary role is to inform tourists.
• The Tour Guide Code (1987), published by the Department of Tourism, defines a tour guide as an individual licensed by the local government and accredited by the Department of Tourism.
• Their role involves guiding both foreign and domestic tourists, for a fee or commission.
• Tour guides are also sometimes called tourist guides, local guides, or city guides.

Types of Tour Guides

• Urban Guides: Freelancers or employed by agencies, knowledgeable about the city or region. Experts in fields like architecture, history, or naturalism.
• Government Guides: Those selected by government bodies to project an image or promote a message.
• Driver Guides: Driving and guiding visitors at the same time
• Business/Industry Guides: Conduct tours of facilities to inform visitors. They promote the company and are trained in presentation
• Adventure Guides: Lead hiking, biking, and kayaking tours, with knowledge of terrain and wildlife.
• Interpreters: Often specialize in communicating information, may involve sign language. They define the art of revealing meanings and relationships in natural, recreational, or historical resources.
• Escort Interpreters: Accompany foreign visitors, handling accommodations, transportation, and meals ensuring the itinerary is followed. This usually lasts at least one month. Must have high language proficiency.
• Docents/Volunteer Guides: Often found in visitor centers, museums, historic houses, and churches.
• Historical Guides: Lead tours of historical landmarks, like battlefields, ruins, or temples.
• Nature Guides: Conduct tours of outdoor areas such as wilderness areas. Common topics are ornithology and geology.
• Staff Guides: Work for travel agencies.
• Inbound Tour Operators: Create and market tours for overseas tourists.

Urban Guides

• They enjoy telling the story of the city.
• They can be experts in various fields, including history, architecture, and naturalism.

Business or Industry Guides

• Several companies employ these guides for tours of their facilities, aiming to educate visitors, and promote the company's image to boost their business, and industry.
• They often discuss the company mission, philosophy, and presentational skills.

Adventure Guides

• They lead challenging tours in outdoor settings (hiking, biking, kayaking).
• They know the local terrain and wildlife.

Tour Managers

• They manage all aspects of a tour, including logistics and ensuring the itinerary is followed.
• They are responsible for the smooth operation of a tour, confirming accommodations, and all expenses.

Interpreters

• They translate information between languages or communicate via sign language.
• They are responsible for the relationships and historical background of resources.

Escort Interpreters

• They accompany foreign visitors and ensure they receive the promised accommodations, transportation, meals, and events.
• They also translate for them during their month-long tour.
• They need an extensive educational and language proficiency background.

Docents or Volunteer Guides

• They are often found in museums, historic sites, churches, and similar locations.

Historical Guides

• They guide visitors through historical landmarks (battlefields, temples, ruins).

Nature Guides

• They lead tours through wilderness areas or on hiking trails.
• They may specialize in subjects like ornithology or geology.

"Driver guides," "Staff guides," "Inbound tour operators"

• Driver guides: Drive while guiding visitors.
• Staff guides: Work for travel agencies. Inbound Tour Operators: create/market tours for overseas tourists.

Role of a Tour Guide

• Planning: Design itineraries, research destinations, and coordinate transportation and accommodations.
• Leading: Guide groups to attractions, providing commentary.
• Communicating: Speak clearly, listen well, and respond to guest concerns.
• Ensuring safety: Brief guests on safety procedures, especially in unsafe areas.
• Providing information: Share facts about the history, culture, and geography of the destination.
• Assisting: Help visitors with logistics.
• Providing feedback: Offer constructive feedback on what's working to improve the experience for future tours.
• Providing first aid: If needed, provide first aid.

The Public Relations Representative

• This aspect of a tour guide's work involves projecting a specific image or relaying a message.
• Guides might be trained to handle sensitive or controversial questions.

The Host

• Serves as a companion, mediator, advocate, entertainer, concierge, storyteller, and more.
• It's a social role, considering the activity of travel involves social occurrences

The Conduit

• Acts as a channel for information
• Role is vital in conveying the culture and experience.

Explore various types of tour guides and their responsibilities. From city narrators to corporate representatives and adventure leaders, understand their roles and expertise. Learn about the Tour Guide Code of 1987 and the duties of a tour manager.