Tour and Travel Guides

Tour and Travel Guides typically perform the following tasks: • Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions. • Escort individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries. • Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices. • Conduct educational activities for school children. • Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary. • Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors. • Select travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas. • Provide for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations. • Assemble and check the required supplies and equipment prior to departure. • Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices. • Distribute brochures, show audiovisual presentations, and explain establishment processes and operations at tour sites. • Drive motor vehicles to transport visitors to establishments and tour site locations. • Train other guides and volunteers. • Provide information about wildlife varieties and habitats, as well as any relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to hunting and fishing. • Teach skills, such as proper climbing methods, and demonstrate and advise on the use of equipment. • Collect fees and tickets from group members. • Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing, operating switchboards, or routing mail and messages. • Solicit tour patronage and sell souvenirs. • Speak foreign languages to communicate with foreign visitors.