Chapter 4: Main Components of Tour Guiding

L1: Tourist Attraction

L2: The Tourists
 Types of Tourists
 Tourist Behaviour
L3: Tour Guide
 Roles of Tour Guides
 Types of Tour Guides
 Duties and responsibilities of a tour guide
 Characteristics of a Tour Guide

L4: Tour Conducting

 General Tour Procedures
 Modes of Transportation Utilized in Conducting Tours

L5: Tour Guide, Tour Escort, Tour Coordinator, Travel Agent

L1: Tourist Attraction

I. Attraction:

Tourism activity starts with the attractions. At a place or destination there has to be some attraction
only then people or tourists will visit that area. Attractions are believed to be the greatest influencers
of all the components. They can make or break a destination. Attractions are of two types: Natural
Attractions like lake, rivers, mountains, etc. and Man-made attractions like monuments, museums,
shopping areas, etc. The ultimate motive of any tourist is to experience the attraction, though
accessibility and accommodation also partake in this phenomenon. But it can be said that without
attraction there shall be no tourism, however transport, hotels, activities and amenities can also act
as attraction.

Attractions are at the first step of tourism supply chain.

 Attractions are one of the most important component and element that attract people to
travel from one place to another.
 Attractions consist of archaeological sites, cultural sites, historical buildings and monuments
or scenery like beach, flora and fauna, mountains, resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks
and zoological parks.
 Attractions also includes events like exhibitions, trade fairs, festivals, sports events etc.
  Attractions are the preconditions of travel. It attracts more and more people and offers
pleasure.
 Attractions also attract and connect people to enjoy and involve in various tourism activities.

Mainly there are two types of attractions:

 Natural Attraction: Natural attractions are places made by nature itself for e.g. natural
beauty, climate, mountains, landscape, flora and fauna, water resources, beaches, wild
life, caves,safari etc.
 Man-Made Attraction: Man made attractions are those Attraction made or developed by
humans for e.g. monuments, historical buildings, festivals, music, churches, temples,
Disney lands, leisure parks, museums, casinos, discos club etc.

Tourist attractions and tourist destinations are related concepts, but they refer to different aspects
of the travel experience:

1. Tourist Attractions: These are specific points of interest or sites within a tourist destination
that attract visitors. They can be natural, cultural, historical, or modern landmarks that have a
unique appeal. Examples include iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, historical sites
like the Colosseum in Rome, or natural wonders like the Grand Canyon in the United States.
2. Tourist Destinations: This refers to broader geographical areas or regions that attract
tourists. A tourist destination can encompass multiple attractions, accommodations,
amenities, and activities that make it appealing to visitors. Examples of tourist destinations
include cities like New York City, beach resorts like Bali in Indonesia, or entire countries like
Italy known for its art, history, and cuisine.

In summary, tourist attractions are specific points of interest within a destination, while tourist
destinations are larger areas or regions that offer a range of attractions and amenities to visitors.

Imagine a tourist destination as a big box filled with lots of things that attract visitors, like cool places
to see, fun things to do, and yummy food to eat. Now, inside this big box, there are smaller boxes
called tourist attractions. These smaller boxes are the special places or activities that people really
want to see or do when they visit the destination.

So, while the big box (tourist destination) has many things inside it, not all of them are as exciting or
popular as the smaller boxes (tourist attractions) that people are really eager to visit. Some parts of
the big box might be more ordinary or not as famous, so they don't attract as many visitors. But the
tourist attractions are the highlights that make people want to come to the big box in the first place!
L2: The Tourists

Categorization of Tourists

1. Incentive Tourists: Incentives tourists are those few lucky individuals, who get a holiday
package as a reward from his company, for good work or achieving targets, set by the
company. Incentive tourists draw inspiration from such tours to work harder, improve work
relations and focus on team bonding. A salesman who is awarded with a nice holiday
package for accomplishing the target sales is a perfect example of incentive tourist.
2. Health or Medical Tourists: Those who seek special medical treatment, which is only possible
away from home, to make trips to other places are called as Health or Medical Tourist. Some
of these tourists avail medical assistance in other countries, for they may be expensive in
their own country. Many health or medical tourists also make trips simply to stay for a few
days in healthier climate. Hoards of medical tourist fly to South Africa from oversee countries
to undergo plastic surgery.
3. Business Tourists: Tourist travelling with relation to business is known as business tourist.
Business tourism is part of the business world. Most of the cities feature conference centers
that cater to the needs of business tourists. A proper example of a business tourist is a
salesman, who makes trips to different places to attend trade shows, to display and promote
his own products also.
4. Education Tourists: Tourists travelling to a particular place in another town, city or country
for further study in order to improve his or her educational qualification are termed as
education tourist. There are also a group of people, who travel to attend workshops to
upgrade skills. A clinic nurse, who makes trip to another province to attend a particular
workshop, qualifying individual about infectious diseases is an example of an educational
tourist.
5. Adventure Tourists: Adventure tourists look for some unusual or bizarre experience. They
seek adventurous activities that may be dangerous, such as rock climbing, river rafting,
skydiving, shark cave diving and bungee jumping.
6. Cultural Tourist: These types of tourists travel to experience the essence of assorted
cultures, such as San rock art, or cultural festivals such as the National Art Festival in Grahams
town, or the International Jazz Festival in Cape Town. Cultural tourists also prefer to witness
the World Heritage Sites of the travelled country.
7. Eco-Tourists: Nature loving tourists, who love to go green like travelling to Bonita Gardens in
Bloemfontein South Africa or similar destinations are called as eco-tourists. They travel
 throughout the world in search of destinations not affected by pollution or much human
intervention.
8. Leisure Tourist: These tourists want to rejuvenate and revitalize with comfort, while enjoying
a break from mundane routine of life. Examples of this type of tourism are cruising while
vacationing or simple relaxing on a beach.
9. Religious Tourist: Religious tourists travel to sites of religious significance. World is dotted
with a number of religious locations like Hajj in Mecca, Jerusalem in Israel, Varanasi in India,
and the Vatican in Rome. During Easter, a huge conglomeration of Christian pilgrimage takes
place in Zion City.
10. Sport and Recreation Tourist: These sorts of tourists either take active part in or just watch
sports events. Some of such popular sport events are the Soccer World Cup, Wimbledon
Tennis Championship, Comrades Marathon, and Fisher River Canoe Marathon.
11. Backpacking or Youth Tourist: This group of tourist is of young age and they travel with
minimum luggage and on a limited budget. But they are very passionate and love
excitements and adventures, while travelling. They generally have no specific travel
schedules and tend to travel independently.
12. Special Interest Tourist (SIT): They nurture particular passion in different things like bird
watching, nature, fishing during the Sardine Run, food and wine or attending the Cape Town
Book Fair.

Tourist Behaviors

In Stanley Plog’s article titled “Why Destinations Rise and Fall in Popularity” in 1974 he placed the
tourist behaviours along a continuum. He placed adventurous tourists whom he called
“psychocentrics” on the other.

 Allocentrics- adventurous and prefer travel alone in a small groups to new destinations.
 Psychocentrics- find comfort in things familiar to them even when travelling
 Mid-centrics- those in-between the allocentrics and psychocentric.

Psychocentrics prefer packaged tours while allocentrics plan their own trips.

There are tourists who prefer all-in package tours while others prefer to book air tickets, tours, and
hotel accommodations separately through the Internet. There are tourists who prefer to go to
places “where everybody goes,” while some prefer “off the beaten paths.” It is therefore important
for tourism workers to know the kind of tourists they are serving each day in order to address the
needs of the latter better.

According to Mancini (2001), while some tourists prefer do-it yourself (DIY), other tourists avail of
packaged tours because it frees them from making too many decisions along the way as they
delegate some decision-making duties to the travel agent. In effect, this saves the tourist time and
money by keeping them from making bad choices due to ignorance.
 If we translate Plog’s model into life cycle of a destination, we will see that those attracting
allocentrics will be destinations that are not well known to tourists yet and may not have enough
tourist facilities. Plog’s model is well cited in many tourism materials. However, its critiques note
that the theory is based on North American tourists and may not apply to tourists from other
regions. People can ne allocentric or psychocentric depending on the situation (Livtin, 2006). Hence,
even when general descriptions of tourists may be helpful in structuring a tourism worker’s
preparations, it is still better to personalize tourism services to fit the client’s profile when possible.

L3: Tour Guide

TYPES OF TOUR GUIDES

Tour Guides are categorized according to two factors:

I. AFFILIATION
a. Freelance guide- a type of guide not affiliated with any travel agency; is paid on a per tour
basis only
b. Staff guide- a type of guide that is trained, connected, and exclusively contracted by an
employer/travel agency for the said company’s clients only; salary given on a regular basis;
may be given an allowance and/ or incentive during tours.
c. Docile or Volunteer Guides- Docile or volunteer guides are employed guides who are mostly
hobbyist such as retirees and environmental advocates. They earn non-monetary rewards
such as friendship, experience, and cultural exchange. Some volunteer guides accept tips
too.
II. LOCATION AND SPECIALIZATION
a. Step-on guide- a guide who joins a tour bus for a local sightseeing excursion; These guides
accompany tour groups on buses or other transportation and provide commentary as the
group travels from one location to another. They often work with tour operators to provide
commentary during the journey.
b. City guide- a guide in a large or important town, or in a metropolitan or business district of a
region; City guides specialize in a particular city or province. They are able to provide
information on a city’s history and heritage, and its relevance to the country’s socioeconomic
development. City guides may be freelancers, government employees, travel agency
employees, or volunteers.
c. Specialized guide- a guide who is fully concentrated on, and has complete or extensive
knowledge of a specific place. These guides have expertise in specific areas of interest, such
as art, architecture, wildlife, adventure sports, or ecotourism. They offer specialized tours
tailored to the interests of the visitors.
d. Museum guide- an indoor guide who assists tourists within a museum, gallery, or academy
These guides work in museums and art galleries, providing detailed explanations of exhibits,
 artworks, and historical artifacts to visitors. They help enhance the educational experience of
museum visitors.
e. Plant Guides- Plant guides are employed by corporations, usually as part of the public
relations department. They conduct tours in the company’s plant or factory, with the primary
aim of uplifting the company’s public image by educating visitors about their business goals
and operations. In a way, they are like museum guides who specialize in a particular
collection.
f. Adventure Guides- Adventure guides are, first and foremost, hobbyists who love a particular
sporting activity and introduce this activity to the tourist. They require special skill set,
including those related to guest safety. In the Philippines, for instance, cave guides undergo
an accreditation process that is different from that of a city guide.
g. Driver guide- a guide who also drives the vehicle on a moving tour.

Each type of tour guide has its own set of skills, knowledge, and expertise, catering to different types
of tours and visitor preferences.

Roles of Tour Guides

1. Tour guides as Pathfinder/Leader

The guide as leader must have skills such as willingness to assume responsibility, ability to organize and
make wise decisions, ability to respond to emergencies, and the skill to coordinate several administrative
tasks simultaneously.

2. Tour Guides as Sales Representatives

It is confirmed that tour guides becomes representatives of their employees from the
commencement of every tour and their performance influences not only current visitors’
experiences but also potential visitors’ intention to buy products because of effect due to word-of-
mouth.

3. Tour guide acts as Mediator

A tour guide is a mediator as he/she builds bridges between local communities/attractions and
tourists and facilitate positive interaction

4. Tour guides act as ambassador

Tour guides act as ambassador since tour guides are the leading players in enhancing the image and
reputation of the destination. In representing their locality, tour guides act on behalf of their
country, and hence, it is no surprise that they are commonly referred to as “ambassadors”.

5. Tour guides act as an Interpreter

To reveal meanings, values and significance of local environments and cultures.

6. Tour Guide Acts as Coordinator

Tour guide act as the link between the various suppliers and coordinates the delivery of services
from each. The supervision of luggage van handlers-is coordinated by the tour guide and assisted by
the courier.

7. Tour Guide Acts the Educator

A tour guide plays a role as an educator/teacher/mentor, guiding the group telling them where/what
and when to look at, what to do and how to behave in different destinations.

8. He/she should always do a head count of the guests

9. He/she should keep in mind the comfort of the guests
10. He/she always be alert in any given situation
11. He/she should prevent the tour from becoming dull and boring
12. He/she should safeguard the personal belongings of the guests while on tour.
13. He/she should always provide a friendly reminder including the Dos and DON’Ts of the tour.
14. He/ she should be mindful of her actions and words, being careful not to do anything that might
tarnish the reputation of the employer.

Characteristics of a Tour Guide

1. Attentive and focused- a tour guide should be fully concentrated on and attentive to the
conduct of the tour to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the tourists.
2. Candid- a tour guide is always honest in all his/her dealings and is mindful that all his/her
acts reflect the company to which he/she is affiliated.
3. Caring- a tour guide should always be gentle, kind, and thoughtful to his/her guests
throughout the tour. These qualities will show that he/she is a work oriented person.
4. Cheerful- a tour guides should always be cheerful and smiling while conducting the tour.
He/she should give life to the trip and ensure a wonderful traveling experience for the
guests.
5. Conclusive- a tour guide should be decisive in all aspects of the tour taking into
consideration the authority given to him/her. He/she should be firm in deciding matters
that may affect the tour such as choosing which stopovers best fit the itinerary.
6. Confident- a tour guide should be self-assured and poised when giving information to
the guests. His/her self-confidence assures the tourists of his/her reliability.
7. Considerate- a tour guide should be aware of his/her client’s feelings or moods and
consider them prudently. He/she should be aware of the physical and emotional states of
the tourists to better adapt to the situation.
8. Dedicated- a tour guide should be devoted to his/her profession. To become a successful
tour guide, he/she should view tour guiding as a passion rather than a mere money-
earning occupation.
9. Dependable- a tour guide should always be professional so that he/she can be
guaranteed of continuous employment or future guiding opportunities.
10. Dynamic- a tour guide should always be open to and ready for sudden changes
11. Friendly- being sociable and congenial reflects the total personality of a tour guide,
he/she should show his/her clients what the local culture is really about.
12. Modest- one of the most important qualities of a tour guide is humility. Through this
characteristic, he/she will win the admiration/ approval of all his/her guests.
13. Polite- a tour guide should be courteous and respectful in every dealing, not only to
his/her guests bur also to the travel agency or organization to which he/she is affiliated.
14. Prompt- as a tour guide he/she should be punctual during tours. This will enable him to
foresee any possible problem that may occur while on tours; thus he/she will have ample
time to solve them

L4: Tour Conducting

Modes of Transportation Utilized in Conducting Tours

In conducting tours, various modes of transportation can be utilized depending on the nature of
the tour, the destination, and the preferences of the tour operator and participants. Here are some
common modes of transportation used in tours:

1. Motorcoaches or Buses: Often used for larger tour groups, motorcoaches and buses provide
comfortable seating and are suitable for long-distance travel. They can access a wide range
of destinations and are commonly used for city tours, sightseeing excursions, and multi-day
tours.
2. Minibuses: Smaller than motorcoaches, minibuses are ideal for smaller tour groups. They
offer flexibility in accessing narrower roads and areas where larger vehicles may not be able
to navigate easily.
3. Vans and SUVs: These vehicles are suitable for smaller, more intimate tours or private tours.
They offer flexibility in terms of routes and can access areas with limited parking or space
constraints.
4. Boats and Ferries: For tours involving waterways or coastal destinations, boats and ferries
are used to provide scenic cruises, island hopping tours, or river cruises. They offer unique
perspectives and experiences of the destination from the water.
5. Trains: In some destinations, trains are used for scenic train rides or as a mode of
transportation between cities. They can offer a comfortable and scenic journey, especially in
areas with picturesque landscapes.
 6. Walking Tours: In urban areas or historical districts, walking tours are popular. They allow for
a closer exploration of landmarks, attractions, and local culture on foot, providing a more
immersive experience.
7. Cycling Tours: For eco-friendly and active tours, bicycles can be used to explore destinations.
Cycling tours are popular in scenic areas or for exploring countryside landscapes.
8. Segways or Electric Scooters: In some cities, guided tours using segways or electric scooters
are offered as a fun and efficient way to explore urban areas and cover more ground than
walking tours.

The choice of transportation depends on factors such as the size of the group, the type of tour
experience desired (e.g., leisurely, adventurous, eco-friendly), the terrain of the destination, and the
logistical requirements of the tour.

General Tour Procedures

General tour procedures typically include a series of steps and guidelines followed by tour operators,
tour guides, and tourists to ensure smooth and organized travel experiences. These procedures may
vary depending on the type of tour, destination, and specific requirements of the tour operator, but
here are some common general tour procedures:

1. Pre-Tour Planning:
• Determine the tour destination, duration, itinerary, and activities.
• Arrange transportation, accommodations, meals, and any necessary permits or tickets.
• Prepare promotional materials and marketing strategies to attract tourists.

2. Tour Booking and Confirmation:

• Receive tour inquiries and bookings from prospective tourists.
• Confirm bookings, collect payments, and issue tour vouchers or tickets.

3. Tour Departure:
• Gather tourists at the designated meeting point.
• Conduct pre-tour briefings, including safety instructions, itinerary overview, and any
relevant information about the tour.

4. During the Tour:

• Provide guided tours, commentary, and information about the attractions and
destinations.
• Ensure the safety and comfort of the tourists throughout the tour.
• Manage logistics, such as transportation arrangements, meal schedules, and activity
coordination.
 5. Tourist Engagement:
• Encourage interaction and engagement with the tourists, answering questions and
providing insights about the destinations.
• Facilitate group activities and experiences to enhance the tour's enjoyment and
educational value.

6. Emergency Procedures:
• Prepare and communicate emergency procedures to tourists, including contact
information for local authorities and emergency services.
• Address any unexpected situations or emergencies that may arise during the tour, such
as medical emergencies or natural disasters.

7. Post-Tour Evaluation:
• Gather feedback from tourists about their tour experience.
• Evaluate the success of the tour based on customer satisfaction, adherence to the
itinerary, and overall tour quality.

These general tour procedures help ensure that tours are well-organized, enjoyable, and safe for
both tourists and tour operators.

L5: Tour Guide, Tour Escort, Tour Coordinator, Travel Agent