Types of Tour Guides

Systems Plus College Foundation

• The college is located in MacArthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City, Philippines.
• Contact telephone number is (045) 322-7723 Loc. 221 | 0919-0692892
• The fax number is (045) 892-7489

Chapter 1: Overview on Tour Guiding and Escorting

• This chapter provides an overview of tour guiding and escorting.

Definition of a Tour Guide

• A tour guide is someone who conducts tours of a particular area.
• They possess extensive knowledge of the area.
• Their primary function is to educate tourists.
• They are licensed by local government and accredited by the Department of Tourism.
• Tour guides typically charge a fee for their services and guide both foreign and domestic tourists.

Types of Tour Guides

• Urban guides
• Government guides
• Driver guides
• Business or industry guides
• Adventure guides
• Interpreters
• Escort interpreters
• Docents or volunteer guides
• Historical guides
• Nature guides
• Staff guides
• Inbound tour operators

Urban Guides

• Urban guides are those who enjoy sharing the story of a city or region.
• They frequently work on a freelance basis, contacting clients and working on a tour-by-tour basis.
• Sometimes they are employed by tour agencies.
• Urban guides often have expertise in a specific field.
• Examples include architects, historians, dancers, storytellers, archivists, artists, artisans, and naturalists.

Business or Industry Guides

• These guides are hired by companies to conduct tours for visitors.
• Their aim is to educate visitors, promote company image, and boost industry.
• They are frequently trained by the company to talk about various subjects.
• Guides may deliver information related to the company's philosophy and mission.
• Guides are trained in presentation and sales techniques.

Adventure Guide

• These guides provide tours in physically challenging environments such as hiking, biking, or kayaking.
• They know the local terrain and wildlife.
• They may also offer assistance with necessary equipment and safety instructions.

Tour Managers

• Tour managers are those who supervise and organize trips for groups of tourists.
• They're responsible for ensuring smooth operations.
• Their role includes ensuring that tourists receive what they paid for and that the itinerary is followed.

Interpreters

• Interpreters are skilled at conveying information and ideas.
• They translate between different languages for clients.
• Interpreters relay meanings and relationships.
• The interpreter can use sign language.

Escort Interpreters

• Escort interpreters assist foreign visitors with official invitations from the government.
• They're linguistically well-versed.
• They travel alongside visitors for at least one month.
• The primary duty is ensuring that visitors receive accommodations, transportation, meals, and other anticipated events.
• Escort interpreters possess excellent language abilities, robust health, and extensive educational backgrounds.

Docents or Volunteer Guides

• Volunteer guides, often called docents, are commonly found in cities and towns.
• Docents act as guides in places such as visitor centers, museums, historic houses, churches, and other notable locations

Historical Guides

• Historical guides escort visitors to locations with historical significance.
• This includes historical landmarks such as battlefields, ruins, temples, and other noteworthy sites.

Nature Guides

• Guides are adept at guiding visitors through natural areas such as wilderness.
• They may lead hiking, or walking tours, focusing on topics like ornithology (birds) or geology.

Staff Guides

• Staff guides work with travel agencies, and are employed full-time within the agency.

Inbound Tour Operator

• They design and market tours for tourists from outside the country.
• They promote tours demonstrating the aspects of the home country.

Role of a Tour Guide

• Planning: designing itineraries, coordinating transportation, and arranging accommodations.
• Leading: guiding groups, providing commentary, and addressing questions.
• Communicating: speaking clearly, addressing concerns, and listening to guests.
• Ensuring safety: briefing tourists on safety procedures, especially in uncertain areas.

Role of a Tour Guide (continued)

• Providing information: sharing details about the history, culture, geography and other aspects of the travel destination.
• Assisting: providing assistance with logistical matters such as arrangements for entry to attractions, and making recommendations.
• Providing feedback: providing constructive feedback regarding the tour experience.
• Providing first-aid: offering crucial support, if necessary.

The Public Relations Representative

• The public relations role is essential for guides as it involves engaging with stakeholders and maintaining a positive public image.
• This aspect might encompass addressing controversial situations or representing a particular viewpoint.
• In certain places, specific governmental officials elect guides to portray particular images or political ideologies.

The Host

• Guides act as hosts, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
• They bridge social gaps and serve as companions, negotiators, advocates, entertainers, and more.
• It highlights travel's social component and how tour guides can support interactions and social events.

The Conduit

• Guides act as mediators or links between tourists and the destination.
• They're vital in communicating and maintaining the experience.
• The role of a guide is crucial to the overall experience and it is not separate from other roles.

This text is about different types of tour guides, their roles, and the skills required for each. It covers freelancers, corporate guides, adventure guides, and those specializing in communication.