Tour guides

The person who accompanies a group of holiday makers on a packaged tour is variously known as tour guide, leader, manager, director or (US only) escort.

The tour leader may be an employee of the tour operator, a freelancer or (less usually) someone who is operating (i.e. designing, marketing and leading) his or her own tour.

Company employees are expected to project the company image. Officially the job of tour guide consists of representing the company, meeting and/or accompanying a group (usually on a coach), providing commentary, reconfirming accommodation and activity arrangements (which should have been put in place by the employing tour operator), helping with luggage, sorting out problems and generally creating an enjoyable atmosphere for the clients. This is quite a tall order, but first it is necessary to understand the range of possibilities in the world of tour leading and guiding.

The rewards are those which attract most people into the tourism business in the first place: the chance to travel, a desire to work with people and the chance to take responsibility. Many prominent members of tourist industry started out as guides or reps as their first step on the career ladder.

Task 1. Answer the questions.

1. Which of the above jobs seems most attractive to you? Why?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each job?

3. Why are tour operators so particular about selecting their employees?

4. Why do they offer training for their employees?

5. What qualities are required for a job of a rep?

6. What makes it a difficult job?

7. What does a job of a tour guide involve?

8. What rewards are offered to those who become committed to their careers in tourism?

Task 2. Say what you’ve learned from the text about

1. tour operators;

2. reps;

3. tour guides.