TOURGE (TOUR GUIDING) Chapter 1 PDF

TOURGE (TOUR GUIDING) Chapter 1 Overview on Tour Guiding and Escorting  Definition Of a Tour Guide A tour guide is one who conduct a tour or one with a broad knowledge of a particular area whose primary duty is to inform. According to the Tour Guide Code of 1987 promulgated by the Dep...

TOURGE (TOUR GUIDING) Chapter 1 Overview on Tour Guiding and Escorting  Definition Of a Tour Guide A tour guide is one who conduct a tour or one with a broad knowledge of a particular area whose primary duty is to inform. According to the Tour Guide Code of 1987 promulgated by the Department of Tourism, a tour guide is an individual who is licensed by the local government and accredited by the Department of Tourism to guide tourist, both foreign and domestic, for a fee, commission, or any other form of lawful remuneration. Synonyms for tour guide used within the industry include tourist guide (commonly used in Europe and many other parts of the world), local guide and city guide. Types of Tour Guide Guides are classified into urban guides, government guides, driver guides, business or industry guides, adventure guides and tour manager, interpreters, escort interpreters, docents or volunteers’ guides. Urban Guides Urban Guides are those who take pleasure in telling the story of a city or region. Most urban guides are freelancer who contact their work on a tour-by-tour basis although some of them are employed by some large agencies on a full- time basis. There are several urban guides who are expert in their fields such as architect , historians , dancers , storytellers, archivists, artist, artisans and naturalist. Business or Industry Guides Several corporations, large, small or small, hire guides to conduct tours of their facilities to educate visitors, promote their business or industry and uplift the image of their company. These are trained by the company to speak about various topics to different kinds of visitors. Some of these guides are called upon to explain the company philosophy or mission. Thus, they are trained in presentation skills or sales techniques. Adventure Guide Guides visitors on physically challenging tours, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking. They are knowledgeable about the local terrain and wildlife and may provide equipment and instruction. Tour Managers A tour manager is one who administers and regulates a tour. He is the one responsible for the smooth operation of the group tour. He makes sure that tourist get what they pay for and that the itinerary is followed.  Interpreters The word “interpreter” has many accepted meanings among which are “translator of foreign languages” and one “who communicates by sign language”. The interpreter referred to in this book is one who practices the art of explanation or defined by the National Association of Interpretation,” the art of revealing meanings and relationships in natural, cultural, recreational and historical resources” Escort Interprete rs An escort interpreter is one who accompanies foreign visitors who are officially invited by the government. He is a well-educated linguist who travels with the visitors throughout the country at least for one month to translate for them. The primary duty of an escort interpreter is to make sure that the visitors receive the accommodations, transportation, meals and events promised to them. Escort Interpreters are expected to have a very high language proficiency, excellent health and broad educational background. Docents or Volunteer Guides Volunteer guides are most called docents. In many countries, particularly in the United States, docents are found in most every city and town, at visitor’s centers, museums, historic houses, churches, and other places that people usually visit. Historica l Guide Guides visitors around historical landmarks, such as battlefields, ruins, temples, and other sites of historical significance. Nature guide Guides visitors through outdoor areas of interest, such as wilderness areas. They may lead walking or hiking tours and focus on subjects like ornithology or geology.  Driver guide: Also called a city guide, this guide drives while guiding visitors. Staff guide: Works in a travel agency. Inbound tour operator: Creates and markets tours showcasing their home country 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 and answering questions. Communicating: Speak clearly and listen well, and address guests' concerns. Ensuring safety: Brief guests on safety procedures, especially if traveling in unsafe areas. Role of a Tour Guide Providing information: Share facts about the history, culture, and geography of the destination. Assisting: Help with logistical matters, such as arranging entry to attractions and recommending places to eat. Providing feedback: Give leadership feedback on what's working and what could be improved. Providing first aid: If needed, provide first aid to guests. The Public Relations Representative The public relations role is considered as most important aspect of a guide’s work it is also the most difficult to describe and most controversial. In some places guides are chosen by government officials to project a special image or political philosophy or to relay a prescribed message. These guides are even trained to answer controversial questions. The Host Since travel is a social activity, the guides role in travel consists of several social occurrences. Host have many roles including those of companion, mediator, advocate, entertainer , concierge , storyteller and others The Conduit The Guides role as a conduit or channel or link is the most important. It can be the most important. It can be most powerful and long lasting. The role of conduit cannot be separated from any other role because it is integral to all the guide’s function. To emphasize the local culture and the travel experience rather than guide’s performance.