Sources: European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations

Department of Tourism of Philippines

Composite of industries and entities, both public and
private
Involved in the
o 1. planning & development
o 2. evaluation of destinations, products and services
o 3. management and operations (hostelry, amusement parks,
tourism information etc.)
o 4. marketing, sales & promotion of tourism products


Caters to the needs of travelers, both foreign and domestic

Product is not brought to the consumer;
The tourism product is not used up, it doesnt
exhaust the countrys natural resources;
People-oriented;
Labor-intensive;
Multi-dimensional;
Seasonal;
Dynamic;
Characterized by the changing ideas of its
customers.

Ministry of SMEs (IMM), Business Environment and
Tourism Minister - Mrs. Grapini)
National Association of the Tourism Agencies in Romania
Federation of Tourism Associations

Other public but non-governmental (NGOs, Consultancy
Offices, Other Tourism Associations (such as ANTREC
rural tourism association in Romania),


Transportation companies land, sea, air & rail
Hotel industry accommodation establishments
Entertainment industry
Travel trade tour operator, tour guides
Other private sector entities
People who leave their homes
to temporarily visit a place
They should be spending and
not earning money from the
place they visit
Reasons can be pleasure,
meetings or seminars
With the intention of learning
something about the place
like its history, people, culture
Please carefully observe the Structure of the Tourist Experience at the right. The Tourism
Industry should cater for these needs. You may be asked at the exam about this
(DEFINITION) An individual, who (either as an employee or
affiliate of a proper licensed travel & tour agency) GUIDES
tourists both foreign and domestic (by providing assistance,
information and cultural, historical and contemporary
heritage interpretation), for a fee, commission or any lawful
form of remuneration.

Tour Guide (US), Tourist Guide (EU)
Free Lance not permanently connected with any travel
agency and paid per trip.

Staff Guide permanently connected with a travel agency,
receives monthly salary.
Local guide a person competent enough to guide in a
certain locality or area.
National guide a person competent enough to guide
long itineraries in a certain country.
Escort (nsoitor) person who accompanies a group of
tourists from the point of origin to the destination, and
back to the origin. Usually handles groups check in and
check out.
Specialist person who specializes in a certain field such
as botany, architecture etc. or in a certain niche activity
(adventure, high mountain, glaciers/volcanos etc.)
Linguist /Interpreter person who speaks fluently two or
more foreign languages.


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)
Provide them information and explanations about
the place honestly without prejudice;
Ensure a factual presentation, make sure to
distinguish the truth stories, legends, traditions;
Act fairly and reasonably in all dealings with
colleagues and co-workers;
Always act with tact and diplomacy in dealing with
the guests
Always report for duty healthy and positive
Never take advantage of the ignorance of the tourists
Never allow yourself to be used by unscrupulous
organizations who want to take advantage of the
tourists
Use common sense and be honest by saying I dont
know,I will check,..
Protect the reputation of tourism by making every
assignment a treat, with respect to the environment,
wildlife, sights & monuments, local customs & traditions
Act responsibly as representative of the country and the
people
Ensure guests safety, warn them on:
o Food and drinks that might not suit their digestive system (allergies
to nuts, raw milk etc.)
o Elevation for those with vertigo and fear of height
o Dogs that might bite
o Presence of pickpockets in crowded areas

PRE tour:
o Study your tour assignment
o Be aware of the composition of the group
o Review itinerary (+ stops to toilets / stores / gas station)
o Be reminded of cash advances, vouchers needed
o 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 days itinerary/program and give instructions

POST - Tour:
Prepare tour guides report
Submit tour report to immediately after the tour
Accomplish financial report with receipts, vouchers and
other assignments
Be prepared, study the destination
Plan your spiel (speech) or commentary, it should be
structured
Have an update on the local and global news and
environmental issues
Intercede when necessary in the interaction with the guest
and the locals
Be aware on the basic human behavior and attitudes
Be ready for pertinent and impertinent questions
In cases of having more than one guide, find some time to sit
down, discuss to synchronize information & learn from each
other

Never tell your personal life at first meeting
Never sell anything at first meeting unless they ask
Be punctual at all times. Be there at least one hour before
the tour starts
Learn map reading (!!!)
Learn how to say NO to indecent proposals
Always make a head count before, during and after the tour,
especially on stops
Be practical when making judgment, think if the benefit of
the majority, Be a good decision maker
Learn basic first aid


Language proficiency (fluent English !)
Use simple, easy to understand words
Use synonyms to explain, to describe something
Use non-verbal communication in a difficult thing or
situation (gestures, pointing etc.)
Speak audibly, not too soft and not too loud
Conduct your commentary in a relaxed, entertaining
manner (they came here to enjoy, remember !!)

Ambassador of his region/country
Front liner in the tourism industry
Watchdog of the tour operator
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.

One of the most attractive jobs in the travel industry
Requires a lot of values and ethics
Represents the country and the people
Relatively good paying job (but mostly self-rewarding)
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 !