TOUR GUIDING • Places of interest, stopovers, security

and health services, etc.

• Tour Guiding is one of the most
promising profession and high-paying yet • A tour guide is a basic component of a
challenging profession in the tourism tour package.
industry.
• A tour guide must develop certain skills
• Tour guiding service means tour guides’ and acquire specific knowledge• A tour
reception services on behalf of the guide is one who escorts visitor or people
appointed travel and tour agency to in organized tour to various places of
receive or accompany tourist in their interest while providing assistance and
process of travel or sight-seeing according information for a safe, comfortable and
to the contract of the tour party. entertaining or appropriate tour
experience.
• Tour guide service is the core and
linkage of tour reception service as well as
an important part of the whole tour
TYPES OF TOUR
service product purchased by the tourist.
1. DAILY RUN TOUR is a tour
TOUR GUIDE
conducted regularly
• A tour guide renders personal assistance 2. SPECIALLY ARRANGED TOUR is a
to a guest or tourist from the beginning up tour arranged based on the specific
to the end of the tour. needs of the tourists.
3. SEAT-IN COACH is a tour
• It is a “make or break”
participated by different tour
• Service-oriented members with varied pick up points

• A tour guide should be equipped with but going to the same destination.

relevant information that can be shared 4. WALKING TOUR is a type of tour

with the tourists. that does a lot of walking in order

to see the different aspects of the
• A tour guide must know everything about
tour.
the tour/itinerary and prepared to
5. PLANT TOUR/COMPANY VISIT is
answers questions.
conducted normally with students
visiting an actual site plant. --
 Lectures are given by in-house a reasonable price, take a small
speakers and actual tour of the number of individuals on their own
different areas of the company is exclusive tour
included 6. SPECIALIZED GUIDE is someone
6. ECO TOUR is a tour to the whose expertise or skills are highly
different ecology sites with unique.
emphasis on the preservation of 7. STEP-ON GUIDE OR FREELANCE
the environment SPECIALISTS who come aboard
7. PILGRIMAGE TOUR is a visit to motor coaches to give an informed
religious and worship places like overview of the city to be toured.
churches and mission houses 8. LOCAL GUIDE is a person
8. OTHER SPECIALIZED TOUR is a competent enough to give
tour conducted for a specific type information on a certain area or
or purpose or special interest. locality.
9. SPECIALIST GUIDE is a person
TYPES OF TOUR GUIDE
who specializes in a certain field
1. ON-SITE GUIDE conducts tours of 10. LINGUIST GUIDE is a person
one or several hours at a specific fluent in two or more foreign
place, site or building. languages
2. DOCENTS are volunteer guides 11. STAFF GUIDE is a person
normally in the small museum and permanently connected with a
often work for free. travel agency, paid on a monthly
3. CITY GUIDE points and comments basis.
on the highlights of a city, usually 12. FREELANCE GUIDE is person who
from a motor coach, minibus or is not permanently connected with
van, but does sometimes as part a travel agency paid per trip
of a walking tour. 13. INDIGENOUS GUIDE is a guide
4. DRIVER-GUIDE is a city guide with a native or aboriginal
does double duty by driving the background with a deep
vehicle while narrating understanding of their culture
5. PERSONAL / PRIVATE GUIDE 14. NATURE-BASED OR ECO-TOUR
whose services may be available at GUIDE is a guide who is a
 specialist in environmental • The first tour operator went into
knowledge. business in England in 1758, and is still in
15. Naturalist guide is an expert on business today.
natural attractions.
• In Europe, pleasure travel started in
16. Cruise Ship Guide is a cruise ship
earnest during the 1840s, when Thomas
personnel in charge of guiding
Cook began conducting tours to Paris and
onboard guests to tour various
later around Europe.
departments of the vessel.
• By the 1850s, railroad tours were already
– Tour Escort accompanying tourists from
in operation. Modern tour operators –
the point of origin to the point of
companies that organize group tours and
destinations and return to point of origin
independent travel packages — date back
acting as coordinators of the tour
to the mid- nineteenth century, and most
activities for a specified number of days
likely have their roots as ticket agents for
stated in the tour package.
steamship lines and railroads.
HISTORY OF TOUR GUIDING
• In addition to selling passage, the agents
Tour guiding is the world’s oldest were eventually called upon to develop
profession. itineraries and secure accommodations
for their wealthy clients.
• Guiding is one of the oldest professions
of the world from Roman Empire to the • Through the 1930s tour wholesaling
Middle Ages, throughout the Renaissance continued to grow, but that happened
and into the modern age. slowly, since comfortable and affordable
means of passenger transportation were
• Tour guides were referred to as
not widespread, and travel was costly.
“pathfinders”, “bear leaders”. “proxemos”
and “cicerones” • The post-World War II period, beginning
with the late 1940s and early 1950s,
• The guides of the Grand Tours were the
marked a dramatic turning point for the
most esteemed guides in European
tour operator industry.
Society, entrusted with representing their
region and its history and educating the
young men of British aristocracy.
• The introduction of modern long-range 6. Never take advantage of the ignorance
commercial aircraft and the development of guests, who rely on the information
of the interstate highway system both you are sharing with them.
opened long distance travel to millions of
7. Be prepared to attend to the guests’
middle class travelers.
needs and make sure that their visit will
• The growth of low cost airlines, be a god memory to keep.
increased access to airports, and the
8. Ensure guest is safe all the time.
ability to travel more cheaply, and the
travel bug sent millions of people all over 9. Protect the reputation of the tourism

the planet. industry in the country

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A 10. Act as a representative of the country

TOUR GUIDE and the people.

1. Provide the guests information, which is ELEMENTS OF TOUR GUIDING

a product of research. Explain it fairly • MASTERY OF INFORMATION

without prejudice.
– Stock knowledge through research,
2. Avoid opinionated commentaries by interaction and self-study
making negative, and insulting remarks
– Dates, chronology of events, historical
that will embarrass the country, the
characters and figures
people, their culture, and traditions.
• RAPPORT WITH TOURISTS
3. Ensure factual presentation of
information, distinguish true stories, – stir up the interest of the tourists
legends, traditions, rituals and opinions.
– draw out positive responses and
4. Act fairly and reasonably in all dealings appropriate questions
with colleagues, suppliers and co-
– Face to face and eye to eye contact
workers in the tourism industry.
– Proper way of asking and answering
5. Always act with tact and diplomacy in
questions
dealing with guests.
– Polite way of calling attention

• COMMUNICATION SKILLS
– Mastery of language or languages – OPTIONAL – jokes, wit, humor, legends
and trivias
– Tone and quality of voice, overall
projection • TOURING – Give the appropriate
commentary when the sight is visible to
– Body language and descriptive and
everyone
directional gesture – pointing directions
• STOPOVERS – Always supervise
– Facial expressions
disembarking. Gather before providing the
TOUR GUIDING TECHNIQUES appropriate commentary on-site. Allow

• REPORTING TIME time for picture-taking and other

activities, such as use of rest room and
Always report at least 30 minutes before
shopping. Supervise re-boarding and
the tour’s departure to:
always count heads.
-Check the vehicle, equipment and brief
• END OF TOUR – Before disembarkation,
the driver Assemble the tourists
give reminders for the next
-Have time to make last-minute activities/movement and a thank you
adjustments speech. Check seats on the bus to check
things that may have been left behind.
• BOARDING
DO’S AND DON’T’S
– Position in a strategic location “give an
appropriate greeting” and count heads • AVOID GUESS WORK

• COMMENTARIES – Check and update all information all the

time
– REQUIRED – includes introduction, brief
description of day’s tour, designated stops – Never discuss religion and politics
and points of interests en route.
– Be neutral in discussions
– INFORMATIVE – facts and figures on
– Never use the words: “I think, I guess,
sites and sights en route and walking
probably”
tours
– It is better to say “I don’t know – but will
– REQUESTED – answers to questions
find out”
• AVOID MEMORIZING COMMENTARIES • ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE AND
SENSITIVE BEHAVIOR FROM THE
– Develop enthusiasm for study and
CLIENTS
research
– Respect local sensitivities
– Know important information and data by
heart – Behave with consideration of others

– Select materials carefully (interesting, – Obey rules that protect the physical and
unusual, amusing, appropriate) social environment

– Adapt level of commentaries to the • ESTABLISH RAPPORT WITH THE

client’s level CLIENTS

• BE HONEST AND SINCERE – Use the skills learned to interest and

entertain – Seek common ground
– Encourage trust and confidence – Show
genuine interest in people – Show genuine interest in people

• BE POSITIVE AND PATRIOTIC Guiding is a form of theater, acting and

drama techniques are used to provide wit
– Emphasize the positive aspects of the
and entertainment and draw the clients’
commentaries
attention. Responsive clients bring out the
– Be tactful in giving negative best of a tour guide, and this is what
commentaries makes tour guiding special.

– Love of country and people must be • ESTABLISH RAPPORT WITH THE

shown in words and deeds SUPPLIERS

• BE SENSITIVE IN THE OPERATING – Use people skills to bring out

ENVIRONMENT cooperation from the suppliers

– Properly react to the unusual – Seek grounds of concern with your

– Be ready for the unforeseen suppliers for the common good

– Decide on-the-spot, explain later – Show genuine friendship with the

suppliers
• MAKE CHOICES BENEFITS OF SMILE

– Keep the general welfare in mind • A smile makes you more attractive

– Follow the majority rule • Smile change your mood

– Remember you cannot please everubody • A smile can stimulate other people smile

• NEVER INSINUATE OR ASK FOR TIPS • A smile can reduce stress

– A tip earned is a tip given • A smile increases your immune system

– Understand that some are not • Smile lower your blood pressure
accustomed to give tips
• A smile can lather your face and make
– A good, knowledgeable, skilled and you look younger
professional tour guide will always earn a
• A smile makes you look successful
tip
• A smile makes you stay positive
RULES OF TOUR GUIDING
• DRESS PROPERLY – Good grooming and
• SMILE
a dress code should not only be applied in
– “Smile and the world smiles at you.” tour guiding, but in the daily life as well. In
tourism, being properly dressed up is of
– There is nothing in the world that
utmost importance.
refreshes more than a cheerful smile
• BE PATIENT
HOW OFTEN DO YOU SMILE?
• BE READY – What can go wrong will go
• For a hospitality professional, smiling is
wrong, think ahead and plan.
a natural as a fish swimming in the water.
Smiling is an instant energizer. • BE FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS – No
matter how upset or tired you may be, be
• It makes you look approachable, friendly,
courteous.
relaxed, open and comfortable. Smiling
also improves your voice quality by • BE CALM AND POSITIVE – Make an
relaxing your throat muscles and it also effort to look for the positive side of things
makes you look younger.
• BE PREPARED – Know the tour, itinerary the audience-tourists the way it has to be
and commentaries’ data and information. delivered and understood;
If not sure, do research.
– Tour guides must have a good sense of
• STUDY THE CLIENTS – Seek common authority in giving information which is a
ground and interests. Establish healthy product of research;
lines of communications
• Leadership Core Functions: FIEDLER
• PROTECT SUPPLIERS – Do not take
– The accomplishment of a task or
sides. Always stay neutral. Find the root
attainment of a goal; – The strength of the
cause of the problem and solve.
group being led.
• BE UNDERSTANDING, BUT FIRM
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Tour Guiding Skills
• Communication starts with an IDEA in
LEADERSHIP SKILLS the sender’s mind

• Tour guides are not only MANAGERS, • Sender translates the idea into words,
they are also LEADERS. and it becomes a message

– Tour guides manage the conduct of • The receiver then translates the
every tour from start to finish; message back into an idea.

– Tour guides take the initiative to an • When the receiver’s idea is the same as
interactive way of guiding; the sender’s idea, there is effective
communication, and the process is
– Tour guides manage dealings with
completed.
suppliers, taking care of the budget and
financial aspect of the tour. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

– Tour guides, as manager, quickly in VERBAL

cases where the need arises.
• Content of the message
• Tour guides are LEADERS.
• Choice of words
– Tour guides does not only talk, but
• Vocabulary
communicate and send the message to
• Slang, colloquial, jargon
• Accent – Speak audibly

• Tone – Keep pacing or rate of speech quick

than slow
• Volume
– Pitch and tones
• Speed
– Avoid vocal ticks, distractions and other
• Pitch
mannerisms
NON VERBAL
• EYE CONTACT
• Facial expression
– Look and sound sincere
• Body language
• BODY LANGUAGE – Good posture
• Eye contact
• YOUR AUDIENCE
• Gestures
LISTENING SKILLS
• Posture
• TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE LISTENING
• Body movements
– Use attentive body language
• Language Proficiency
– Learn how to use your “thinking time”
– Avoid using highfalutin words, use effectively by paying attention and
simple and easy to understand words focusing on what you see and hear

– Try to get rid of regional accent – Become an observer

– Use synonyms to explain, to describe – Listen with an open mind

something
– Do not jump to conclusions
– Use non verbal communication in
RESEARCH SKILLS
various situation
• Tour commentaries are planned,
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
structured and studied information,
Creating a Personal Platform Image carefully gathered through research.

• VOICE – RATE OF SPEECH • Information should be updated and

– Volume is critical relevant

 DELIVERY SKILLS – All basic information about the whole
tour
• “What you say, but how you say it”
• REQUESTED
COMMENTARY
– Interactive guiding
• Tour guiding is public speaking, it
requires guts to face people and talk – Answering questions
about something of importance.
• OPTIONAL
COMMENTARY
– entertainment
• Tour guides provides a commentary on
GUEST ANALYSIS
the FEATURES and HISTORY of the
location • Nationality and/or origin

– Short profile of the place • Demographic profile

– History • Special interests

– Origin of the name – historical or • Duration of their visit

legendary – Basic facts • How much do they already know

• The effectiveness of a commentary • Where else they have been

requires audience analysis and visitor
• Where else they are going
expectation
EFFECTIVE COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY
• ACCURACY – Information should be
• REQUIRED
brief, concise and straightforward and
– Name of the tour guide, coach captain easy to understand
and the travel agency or tour operator
• RELEVANCE– Select information based
– Itinerary on the type of tourists, and the area being

– Expectations discussed

– Inclusions of the tour • VARIED – All areas of concern about the

topic
• INFORMATIVE
• OBJECTIVE
STEPS IN DELIVERING A COMMENTARY • Wit and good communication skills

• Smile, greet and introduce • Analytical mind-set and above-normal

human perception
• Brief guests about the tour
• Dedicated, sensible and not afraid to
• Review inclusions and exclusions
make decisions
• Give location, distance, travel time
QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL TOUR GUIDE
• Expectations
1. Enthusiasm
• Comfort stops
2. An outgoing and approachable nature
• Necessary precautions
3. Self-confidence
TOUR GUIDING AS A PROFESSION
4. A proactive nature
• A tour guide has the self assurance and
5. Sensitivity
tact of a diplomat, the knowledge of a
scholar, the performance skills of an 6. Flexibility
entertainer, and the organizational
7. Authenticity/genuineness/honest
abilities of time management expert.
8. A pleasant, professional appearance
• A tour guide travels the world for free
and is paid to do so. 9. Sense of humor

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOUR GUIDE 10. Knowledge

• Confidence in handling people 11. Excellent communication skills

• Capability to act as a leader 12. Organization

• Decision-making and problem-solving 13. Decisiveness

abilities 14. Good health

• Ability to tackle important 15. Personal integrity

responsibilities
16. Charming
• A pleasing personality with proper
grooming consciousness
 THE TOUR GUIDING JOB • Having multiple language skills.

• Tour Guides are responsible for helping • Being able to work with a team.
people to visit unfamiliar areas. They
• Having time management skills.
usually make special trips with groups of
tourists in order to show them important • Being able to retain historical facts. •

places of cities. Their work is very useful Having excellent knowledge about points

for visitors who are for the first time in of interest of specific cities.

some areas, because these professionals THE ROLE OF TOUR GUIDES

are very knowledgeable and provide
• The Tour Guide makes or breaks the
valuable information to people.
Tour.
• Tour Guides usually perform many of the
• Everything is useless in a tour without
following tasks:
competent guides.
• Describing places to people.
• No other factor in a tour is as important
• Greeting tourists groups. as an efficient guide

• Providing safety devises. • The role of the tour guide varies,

• Escorting groups of people on cruises. depending upon the setting, the visitor,
the purpose of the visit and the guide
• Providing directions to tourists.
himself

• One of the characteristics of a

• Skills professional guide is the ability to carry
out a wide variety of duties and functions
• Being flexible and proactive.
simultaneously.
• Having good presentation skills.
• WATCHDOG for the tour operator.
• Being enthusiastic and friendly.
– Tour guides are to make sure that the
• Having good verbal communication services reserved by the tour operator are
skills. those being provided by the suppliers to

• Being able to interact with people from the clients.

different backgrounds.
– Tour guides are the representative of • The Leader.
the tour operator in the field of operations
• Leadership as a most important aspect
– The tour guide is the central figure in the of a guide’s responsibilities.
field operations and is responsible to the
• The main concern is the guide’s
tour operator for any unplanned failure of
effectiveness with people and ability to
other suppliers to deliver confirmed
lead groups rather than knowledge or
services
experience.
• Tour guides as GO-BETWEEN.
• Guides must have the willingness to
– The tour guides act as the link between assume responsibility, ability to organize
the various suppliers and coordinates the and make wise decisions, strength to
delivery of the services from each. respond to emergencies and skill to
coordinate administrative tasks
• Tour guides as LECTURERS.
simultaenously.
– Tours guides are to provide relevant and
• The Educator
interesting commentaries on sight seen
and places visited that are not only – A tour guide strives to give information,
interesting and informative but also impart values or benefits, and teach new
entertaining. skills.

– A tour guide is NOT expected to know • The Public Relations

everything, but must know SOMETHING
– Guides present a particular message of
about everything.
image to visitors.
• Tour guides as TIMEKEEPERS.
– Guides a to project a special image,
– A tour guide makes sure that the political philosophy or relay a prescribed
services to be provided are delivered on message
time, within the schedules timeframe
– Guides are called ambassadors as they
• Tour guides as SHEPERD create personal connections between
places and visitors
– Tour guides look after the well-being of
the people within the tour while moving
from one place to another.
.
• The Host

– Guides as host plays many roles

including companion, mediator,
advocate, entertainer, concierge,
storyteller, etc.

– Guides are to create an environment in

which people will feel comfortable and
enjoy.

– Humor in travel is both instructive and

satisfying and the ability to use it
effectively is a sign of skilled
communicator.

THE ROLE OF TOUR GUIDES

• The Conduit (channel/link)

– Guides are to give emphasis on the

importance of the visitor, local culture
and the travel experience