What Does it Take to Be a Tour Guide or Escort?
Job Description & Duties Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
Life As a Tour Guide or Escort
- 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.
- Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions.
- Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.
- Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing, operating switchboards, or routing mail and messages.
- Conduct educational activities for school children.
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Tour Guide or Escort Skills
These are the skills Tour Guides and Escorts say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Interpretive Program Coordinator
- River Rafting Guide
- Historical Interpreter
- Hunter Guide
- Licensed Guide
Tour Guide or Escort Job Outlook
There were about 45,800 jobs for Tour Guide or Escort in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,800 new jobs for Tour Guide or Escort by 2026. There will be an estimated 8,700 positions for Tour Guide or Escort per year.
The states with the most job growth for Tour Guide or Escort are Utah, Florida, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, North Dakota, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Tools & Technologies Used by Tour Guides and Escorts
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Tour Guides and Escorts:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- SmugMug Flickr
- Global positioning system GPS software
How do I Become a Tour Guide or Escort?
Education needed to be a Tour Guide or Escort:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Tour Guide or Escort might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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