Responsibilities and job prospects in tour guiding

What are the various responsibilities of a tour guide?

• Describing and explaining points of interest on the trip and answer questions.

• Sharing the information in an interesting way, even though if they may be repeating similar information throughout the day.

• Organizing transportation, food and accommodation for the visitors.

• Arranging admission to places such as museums, government buildings and exhibitions.

• Monitoring visitors’ activities in order to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.

• Making the trip, interesting, enjoyable and safe.

What are my job prospects in Tour Guiding?

• A job in this field is seasonal.

• Vast job opportunities are available in both private and public sectors.

• In the public sector, approved tour guides can find job openings with ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation) and State Tourist Development Corporations in the respective states.

• Both the Union and State government tourism departments hire tour guides on a need basis.

• In the private sector, tourist guides can take-up full time/ part-time employment with tour operators, travel agencies, hotel and transport industry, airlines, cruise lines etc.

• Tour guides may work for destination management companies or event management firms.

• Tour guides with excellent writing skills can work as travel writers, travel journalists cum photographers.

• You can also work as a solo tour guide.

• You can also work as a freelancer.