Tour guides escort groups on tours. They describe points of interest, give
historical information and answer questions.
"We answer questions about converting U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars,
how to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, and where to find good bargains," says
Jeff Veniot, a tour guide. "There are questions about all kinds of topics."
Tour guides are "jacks of all topics."
"We must develop expertise in a gamut of areas," says Veniot. "You have
to know history, know the population, know what's happening in the news, know
how many rooms the heritage hotel has, know how the ferry system works...."
Tour guides might arrange bookings and reservations for local attractions
or restaurants, collect entrance fees, distribute brochures or recommend other
available tours.
According to Cheryl Sampson, a self-employed tour guide, guides are responsible
for the health and safety of their group. "We might have to respond to emergencies
or call for paramedics, for example," she explains. "CPR training is a good
idea."
Don Dietz is a tour guide in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He says there are two
categories of tour guides: tour managers and local guides.
Tour managers usually work for national or regional companies, such as
a motorcoach company. They look after ticketing arrangements, bookings and
schedules.
Local guides, often called "step-ons," are knowledgeable about local destinations
and escort clients and groups through local attractions. Companies might hire
a local guide to work with tour managers.
Veniot adds that "driver-guide" is a sub-category. Driver-guides drive
the bus or vehicle, act as guides and provide commentary.
Tour guides (both tour managers and step-ons) can either work for themselves
or be employed by a company, according to Dietz. Those who are self-employed
will require business skills, such as marketing and budgeting.
According to Dietz, it would be difficult for a person with a disability
to work as a tour guide. But it would depend on the nature of the disability.
"I have to go up and down steps, and in and out of buildings that are not
accessible," he says.