ETOUR Chapter 4 PDF

ETOUR Chapter 4 IMPACT OF TRAVEL Travel can have many impacts, including economic, social, and environmental impacts. Economic impacts  Economic growth Travel can increase economic activity in a destination, which can lead to job creation, increased revenue, and reduced poverty.  In...

ETOUR Chapter 4 IMPACT OF TRAVEL Travel can have many impacts, including economic, social, and environmental impacts. Economic impacts  Economic growth Travel can increase economic activity in a destination, which can lead to job creation, increased revenue, and reduced poverty.  Infrastructure improvements Travel can lead to improved infrastructure and services, such as better roads, healthcare facilities, and education Social impacts  Cultural exchange: Travel can encourage global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.  Community development: Travel can help alleviate some of the world's biggest problems like social inequality and food sovereignty.  New experiences: Travel can help people connect with a destination on a deeper level.  Environmental impacts  Pollution and deforestation Travel can negatively impact the environment, especially in wild areas where environmental concerns may be neglected to satisfy tourist demands.  Water shortages Travel can lead to water shortages and degradation of water supplies, especially in dryer regions. Travel can also have both positive and negative health outcomes for local people. THE GUIDES UNUSUAL ROLE A "Guide's unusual role" could refer to a situation where a tour guide takes on responsibilities beyond the typical expectation of providing information and leading a group, such as acting as a cultural interpreter, a local community advocate, a wildlife conservation educator, or even a temporary translator for specific situations, essentially becoming a more deeply involved facilitator of a truly immersive travel experience. Key points about a guide's unusual role: Deep local knowledge: Going beyond basic facts to share intimate details about local customs, traditions, and hidden gems, often drawing from personal experiences. Community engagement: Actively connecting tourists with local people, businesses, or initiatives to foster cultural exchange and responsible tourism practices.  Specialized expertise: Focusing on a unique aspect of a location, such as wildlife observation, historical reenactment, or culinary exploration, requiring advanced knowledge in that field. Personalized storytelling: Weaving narratives that connect the tour to individual guests' interests, creating a more personal and meaningful experience. Key points about a Adaptive approach: Adjusting the tour based on the guide's unusual group's needs and interests, tailoring the information and activities to create role: a dynamic experience. Examples of unusual guide roles:  A historical guide at a battlefield who leads reenactments and encourages participants to dress in period attire  A nature guide who uses tracking skills to spot rare wildlife and educate guests about conservation efforts  A culinary tour guide who takes visitors to local markets and teaches them to cook traditional dishes  A community-based guide who leads tours through marginalized neighborhoods, highlighting local art, music, and social issues APPLYING LEARNING THEORIES TO GUIDING  Understanding the learner: Identify the learner's current knowledge level, preferred learning style, and motivations to select the most appropriate guidance strategies.  Setting clear goals: Define specific, measurable learning objectives to guide the direction of your guidance and track progress.  Scaffolding: Provide structured support and progressively decrease assistance as the learner gains confidence and competence. Examples of applying different learning theories to guiding: Behaviorism: o Positive reinforcement: Offer praise and rewards for desired behaviors or correct responses to encourage repetition. o Feedback loop: Provide immediate feedback on performance to guide improvement. Cognitivism: o Chunking information: Break down complex concepts into smaller, manageable pieces for easier absorption. o Visual aids: Utilize diagrams, graphs, and other visual representations to support understanding.  Constructivism: o Active learning: Encourage learners to actively engage with the material through discussion, exploration, and problem-solving. o Connect to prior knowledge: Help learners link new information to their existing understanding. Social Learning Theory: o Collaboration: Facilit ate group work and peer learning to promote knowledge sharing and diverse perspectives. o Modeling: Demonstr ate desired behaviors and skills to guide learning through observation. Important considerations when applying learning theories:  Flexibility: Adapt your guidance approach based on the learner's individual needs and context.  Assessment: Regularly monitor progress to identify areas where additional support is needed and adjust guidance accordingly.  Ethical considerations: Ensure guidance is respectful, inclusive, and promotes learner autonomy. EDUCATING THE TOUR GUIDE Educating the tour guide" means providing a tour guide with the necessary knowledge and information about a specific location, historical facts, cultural nuances, and other relevant details to ensure they can accurately and engagingly guide visitors on a tour, effectively sharing insights and answering questions about the area they are showcasing.  KEY ASPECTS OF EDUCATING A TOUR GUIDE:  Deep local knowledge: Thorough understanding of the history, geography, customs, traditions, and significant landmarks within the tour area.  Factual accuracy: Ensuring the tour guide has correct information about dates, events, people, and other historical details to avoid misinformation.  Cultural sensitivity: Training the guide to be respectful of local customs, beliefs, and practices, and to explain them appropriately to visitors. KEY ASPECTS OF EDUCATING A TOUR GUIDE:  Storytelling skills: Developing the ability to weave narratives and anecdotes into the tour to make the information more interesting and memorable.  Guest engagement: Teaching techniques to actively involve visitors in the tour, answer questions, and cater to diverse interests.  Logistics and safety procedures: Providing knowledge about transportation options, accessibility considerations, emergency protocols, and any potential hazards within the tour area. METHODS FOR EDUCATING A TOUR GUIDE:  Formal training programs: Participating in guided courses or workshops specifically designed for tour guides.  On-site familiarization: Conducting guided tours of the location with experienced guides to gain firsthand knowledge.  Reading relevant materials: Studying historical texts, cultural guides, and local publications to deepen understanding.  Expert consultations: Seeking advice from historians, cultural specialists, or local community members to gain deeper insights.  Mentorship programs: Pairing new tour guides with experienced ones to learn best practices and refine their skills. WHY IS EDUCATING THE TOUR GUIDE IMPORTANT?  Enhances visitor experience: Well-informed guides can provide richer, more engaging tours, leading to greater satisfaction for tourists.  Promotes cultural understanding: Guides can effectively communicate local customs and perspectives to visitors, fostering cross-cultural appreciation.  Improves destination image: Positive experiences provided by knowledgeable guides can enhance a location's reputation among travelers. LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION OF TOUR GUIDE To become a licensed tour guide, typically you need to complete a recognized tour guide training program, pass a required examination administered by the relevant tourism authority in your region, and obtain a certification that allows you to legally operate as a tour guide, often requiring additional documents like a valid health certificate and police clearance. Key points about tour guide licensing and certification: Training Programs: Most regions require individuals to complete a formal tour guide training course, which may cover local history, culture, geography, tourism regulations, and customer service skills. Examination: After completing the training, you will usually need to sit for a written or practical exam to demonstrate your knowledge and competency as a tour guide. Issuing Authority: The certification is typically issued by the government agency responsible for tourism in your area, like the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines. Renewal Requirements: In many places, tour guide licenses need to be renewed periodically, which may involve attending continuing education courses to stay updated on tourism trends and regulations. COMMON DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TOUR GUIDE LICENSING:  Completed application form  Proof of completed tour guide training  Examination passing certificate  Valid government-issued ID  Recent passport-sized photo  Health certificate  Police clearance SPECIALIZATION OPTIONS FOR TOUR GUIDES:  Cultural Heritage Guide: Focusing on historical sites and cultural practices.  Nature Guide: Expertise in natural environments, wildlife, and eco-tourism.  Adventure Guide: Leading activities like hiking, trekking, or kayaking. Food and Wine Guide: Guiding tours focused on local cuisine and beverage experiences. WORKING TOWARDS CHANGE TOUR GUIDE KEY ASPECTS OF A "WORKING TOWARDS CHANGE" TOUR GUIDE:  Focus on local issues: They actively research and integrate information about local challenges like pollution, poverty, cultural preservation, or endangered ecosystems into their narratives.  Community engagement: They might partner with local organizations or businesses that are working towards positive change, showcasing their efforts to tourists.  Sustainable practices: Promoting eco-friendly tourism by highlighting transportation options, responsible consumption, and minimizing environmental impact during tours.  Cultural sensitivity: Emphasizing respect for local customs and traditions, ensuring visitors are aware of appropriate behavior and avoiding stereotypes.  Empowering visitors: Beyond just providing information, they encourage guests to actively participate in small acts of positive change, like supporting local businesses or contributing to community projects. EXAMPLES OF HOW A "WORKING TOWARDS CHANGE" TOUR GUIDE MIGHT OPERATE:  In a historical city: Highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized communities during a historical walking tour, while also showcasing initiatives that are working to improve their lives.  In a natural environment: Educating visitors about the threats to endangered species, while advocating for responsible wildlife viewing practices.  In a rural area: Sharing information about local farming practices and the challenges faced by small farmers, while promoting agritourism opportunities. BENEFITS OF A "WORKING TOWARDS CHANGE" APPROACH:  Meaningful tourism experience: Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the destination beyond just surface- level attractions.  Positive impact on the community: By raising awareness, tour guides can encourage tourists to support local initiatives and contribute to positive change.  Personal fulfillment for the guide: It allows tour guides to use their platform to advocate for issues they are passionate about. EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TOUR GUIDE To become a certified tour guide, you typically need to complete a tourism-related course, often including local history, geography, culture, and language, and then obtain a license or certification from the relevant tourism authority in your region, which usually involves passing an exam demonstrating your knowledge of the area you will be guiding in; a high school diploma is often the minimum education requirement, but additional courses in communication, history, and foreign languages can be beneficial KEY POINTS ABOUT TOUR GUIDE EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION: Course content: Courses typically cover local history, culture, geography, important landmarks, tourism regulations, customer service, basic first aid, and sometimes even a foreign language relevant to the area. Training providers: Training can be offered by tourism boards, colleges, vocational schools, or specialized tourism training centers. Certification exam: Most regions require passing a written or practical exam to obtain a tour guide license. Specialization: Some destinations may offer specialized certifications for tour guides focusing on specific interests like nature, food, history, or religious sites. IMPORTANT SKILLS FOR A TOUR GUIDE:  Strong communication skills: Ability to clearly explain information and engage with diverse audiences.  In-depth local knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the area's history, culture, and attractions  Organizational skills: Planning itineraries, managing groups, and adhering to schedules  Customer service skills: Providing a positive experience for tourists, addressing concerns, and being adaptable  In the Philippines, the national curriculum for tour guides is primarily outlined under the "Tour Guiding Services NC II" program by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), which focuses on core competencies like researching tour itinerary information, managing visitor arrangements, and accompanying visitors according to the planned itinerary, all leading to a National Certificate Level II (NC II) qualification. KEY POINTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE TOUR GUIDE CURRICULUM:  Focus on NC II level: The primary tour guide training program is categorized under the "Travel Services NC II" which includes specific competencies related to tour guiding.  Core competencies: o Researching information relevant to the tour itinerary o Managing arrangements for visitors o Accompanying and guiding visitors according to the itinerary  Skills covered: o Reading and interpreting symbols, directions, and layouts at airports, seaports, and bus terminals o Explaining airport/seaport procedures o Confirming schedules with transportation providers o Handling pre-arrival activities o Resolving complaints and emergencies  Delivery: This training is usually offered through vocational schools and training centers accredited by TESDA.  IMPORTANT ASPECTS TO CONSIDER: Accreditation by DOT: To operate as a professional tour guide in the Philippines, individuals need to be accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). Specialization options: While the NC II covers general tour guiding skills, some regions or specialized tours may require additional training in specific areas like historical sites, nature guiding, or cultural tourism. Language proficiency: A strong command of English is essential, and additional language skills are beneficial for attracting a wider clientele.  Mabuhay Guide The Mabuhay Guides Training Program was created by the Philippine Department of Tourism in 2009to produce top quality guides and tour leaders that would cater to travelers, business investors, and tourism partners. Joseph Ace Durano, the author of Mabuhay guide. A former Secretary, Department of Tourism. Out of 50 applicants, only 25 were chosen to take the foundation course. Out of the 25 trainees, 21 passed to officially become the Mabuhay Guides. STEPS IN CHOOSING THE MABUHAY GUIDES: STEPS IN CHOOSING THE MABUHAY GUIDES: 1. SCREENING Panel interview 2. 6 WEEK FOUNDATION COURSE  Lecture  Actual Training 3. GRADUATION MABUHAY GUIDES PROVIDES: Assistance A TOUR GUIDE renders personal assistance to a guest or tourist from the beginning up to the end of the tour. He/she can “make or break” the company that he/she represents by the kind of services he /she renders. He/she should be a service-oriented person who always ready to help the guest CLASSIFICATION OF TOURS ACCORDING TO MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOUR GUIDE: 1. Accepting the Authority Should always be mindful of the terms stipulated in the contract between him/her & the travel agency or agent for whom he/she renders service. 2. Attentive and Focused Should be fully concentrated on & attentive to the conduct of the tour to ensure the safety &enjoyment of the tourists. 3. Candid Should always be honest in all his/her dealings & is mindful that all his/her acts reflect the company to which he/she is affiliated. 4. Caring Should always be gentle, kind & thoughtful to his/her guests throughout the tour. These qualities will show that he/she is a work-oriented person. CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOUR GUIDE: 5. Cheerful Should always be cheerful & smiling while conducting the tour. Should give life to the trip & ensure a wonderful traveling experience for the guests. 6. Conclusive Should be decisive in all aspects of the tour taking into considerations the authority given to him/her. Should be firm in deciding matters that may affect the tour such as choosing which stopovers best fit the itinerary. 7. Confident Should be self-assured & poised when giving information to the guests. His/her self- confidence assures the tourists of his/her reliability. 8. Considerate Should be aware of his/her client’s feelings or moods & consider them prudently. Should be aware of the physical & emotional states of the tourists to better adapt to the situation. CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOUR GUIDE: 9. Dedicated Should be devoted to his/her profession. To become successful, should view tour guiding as passion rather than a mere money-earning occupation. 10. Dependable Should always be professional so that he/she can be guaranteed of continuous employment or future guiding opportunities. 11. Dynamic Should always be open to & ready for sudden changes. Should be well-updated to give more accurate information to the guests. 12. Friendly Being sociable & congenial reflects the total personality of a tour guide. Should show his/her clients what the local culture is really about. 13. Modest One of the most important. Qualities of tour guide is HUMILITY. He/she will win the admiration/approval of all his/her guests. CHARACTERISTIC S OF A TOUR GUIDE: 14. Motivated Always motivates his/her guests. If a negative issue arises, he/she should at least look into it with a positive perspective and try to explain it to the tourists. 15. Polite Should be courteous & respectful in every dealing, not only to his/her guests but also to the travel agency or organization to which he/she is affiliated. 16. Prompt Should be punctual during tours. This will enable him/her to foresee any possible problems that may occur while on tour, thus he/she will have ample time