How to be a Tourist Guide? Best Institutes, Steps & Job Prospects 2023
- Naief Khatri
- Updated Date: September 8, 2023
Table of Contents
A travel / tourist guide’s job is both delightful and challenging. A tourist guide has to make the tourist spots aesthetically appealing, whether it the narrow and filthy lanes of a historical city or the striking landscape of Himalayas.
He has to uphold the cultural traditions and heritage of the place being visited and also talk of social customs, even local superstitions. In this job, it’s important to satisfy the curiosity of a tourist, especially the first – timers.
Tourist Guide - Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for becoming a tourist guide vary depending on the country or region you want to work in. However, some common requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent:Â This is the minimum educational requirement for most tourist guide positions.
- Language proficiency:Â You must be fluent in the language of the region you will be guiding.
- Knowledge of the area:Â You must have a thorough knowledge of the history, culture, and attractions of the area you will be guiding.
- Communication skills:Â You must be able to communicate effectively with tourists from all over the world.
- Customer service skills:Â You must be able to provide excellent customer service to tourists.
- Patience:Â You must be patient with tourists, even when they are asking questions or making mistakes.
- Adaptability:Â You must be able to adapt to different situations and people.
- Physical fitness:Â If you will be leading tours that involve physical activity, you must be physically fit.
Steps on how become a Tourist Guide :
Decide what type of tour guide you want to be. There are many different types of tour guides, such as:
- City tour guides: These guides lead tours of cities, typically for a few hours.
- Sightseeing tour guides: These guides lead tours of specific attractions, such as museums, historical sites, or natural landmarks.
- Cultural tour guides: These guides lead tours that focus on the culture of a particular region, such as its history, art, or food.
- Adventure tour guides: These guides lead tours that involve physical activity, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking.
Get the necessary qualifications. The requirements for becoming a tour guide vary depending on the country or region you want to work in. In general, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some experience in customer service or tourism. You may also need to pass a certification exam.
Gain experience. The best way to gain experience as a tour guide is to volunteer or intern with a tour company. This will give you the opportunity to learn the ropes and see what it’s like to lead tours.
Network with other tour guides. Networking with other tour guides is a great way to learn about job opportunities and get advice. You can network online or at industry events.
Get certified. Getting certified can help you improve your skills and make you more marketable to employers. There are many different certification programs available, so be sure to choose one that is relevant to the type of tour guiding you want to do.
Build your portfolio. A portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and experience as a tour guide. It should include photos, videos, and testimonials from satisfied customers.
Market yourself. Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you need to start marketing yourself to potential employers. This can be done online or through networking.
Get a job. Once you have found a job, be sure to start building your reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable tour guide. This will help you get more bookings and referrals.
Top Colleges/Institutes for Travel/ Tourist Guide Courses 2023
| Institute Name | Course | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
|
National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) |
Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management |
2 years |
INR 70,000 |
|
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
Bachelor of Tourism Studies |
3 years |
INR 5,000 |
|
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHM) |
Diploma in Tourism Management |
2 years |
INR 60,000 |
|
Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai |
Bachelor of Tourism Management |
3 years |
INR 1,50,000 |
|
Christ University, Bangalore |
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management |
3 years |
INR 90,000 |
|
Jagannath University, Puri |
Bachelor of Tourism Management |
3 years |
INR 50,000 |
|
Symbiosis Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Pune |
Bachelor of Tourism Management |
3 years |
INR 1,20,000 |
|
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara |
Bachelor of Tourism Management |
3 years |
INR 80,000 |
|
Manav Rachna University, Faridabad |
Bachelor of Tourism Management |
3 years |
INR 60,000 |
|
Amity University, Noida |
Bachelor of Tourism Management |
3 years |
INR 1,00,000 |
Skills/Personal Attributes of Tourist Guide 2023
Some of the most important personal attributes for a tourist guide:
- Communication skills:Â A tourist guide must be able to communicate effectively with people from all over the world, in multiple languages if necessary. They must be able to clearly and concisely explain the history, culture, and attractions of the places they are guiding. They must also be able to answer questions in a helpful and informative way.
- Knowledge:Â A tourist guide must have a thorough knowledge of the places they are guiding. This includes the history, culture, attractions, and practical information such as transportation and accommodation. They must also be familiar with the local customs and etiquette.
- Passion:Â A tourist guide must be passionate about their work. They must enjoy sharing their knowledge and experiences with others and making sure that their guests have a memorable experience.
- Patience:Â A tourist guide must be patient with their guests, even when they are asking questions or making mistakes. They must be able to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
- People skills:Â A tourist guide must be able to work well with people from all walks of life. They must be able to build rapport with their guests and make them feel comfortable and welcome.
- Problem-solving skills:Â A tourist guide must be able to think on their feet and solve problems as they arise. This could involve anything from finding a lost tourist to dealing with a medical emergency.
- Resilience:Â A tourist guide must be able to handle stress and adapt to change. They must be able to deal with unexpected situations and keep their cool under pressure.
- Physical fitness:Â If a tourist guide will be leading tours that involve physical activity, they must be physically fit. This could include walking, hiking, or biking.
Tourist Guide - Recruitment Procedure
The tourism department holds examination which consists heavily of general knowledge, history and culture etc. The candidate should possess good linguistic skills especially verbal along with a pleasing personality.
Knowledge of foreign language is an added advantage. The candidates are selected generally on the basis of a written test. The prerequisite for the test is a graduation degree in any discipline.
Ministry of Tourism provides licenses to the tourist guides and also organizes Regional Level Tourist Guide Training Programmes. Many of the states in India have made registration of tourist guides mandatory.The Goa Registration of Tourist Act 1982, for example, makes it mandatory for the tourist guides to register themselves with the zonal Officers.
Job opportunities are also with the various State Tourist Development Corporations in the respective states like M.P. State Tourism Development Corporation, U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation, and ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation).
Tourist Guide - Career Scope & Job Prospects
This is a growing field which offers excellent opportunities in the field of tour operations, tour-packages, sight-seeing etc. Many employment opportunities exist in this industry. Travel services including
- Tour Operators
- Travel Agents
- Hoteliers
- Restaurateurs
- Transport Service Providers
- Adventure and Leisure Tourism Providers
- Heritage Sites and their Conservation
- Manufacture and Sale of Handicraft Items
- Marketing of Souvenirs
Besides the specialized services, there are the support services: administration in the offices, secretarial and clerical jobs. The Government of India has recognized the tourism sector as an industry thereby boosting the career prospects.
Salary Package for Tourist Guide in India 2023
The salary for a tourist guide in India varies depending on the experience and qualifications of the guide, the type of job, and the location. According to AmbitionBox, the average salary for a tourist guide in India is INR 3.2 lakhs per year in 2023.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the salary of a tourist guide in India:
- Experience:Â Tourist guides with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Qualifications:Â Tourist guides with formal qualifications, such as a degree in tourism or hospitality management, typically earn higher salaries.
- Type of job:Â Tourist guides who work for tour companies or travel agencies typically earn higher salaries than those who work independently.
- Location:Â Tourist guides who work in popular tourist destinations, such as Agra, Jaipur, or Goa, typically earn higher salaries.
Here are some of the highest paying cities for tourist guides in India:
Mumbai: The average salary for a tourist guide in Mumbai is INR 4 lakhs per year.
Delhi: The average salary for a tourist guide in Delhi is INR 3.5 lakhs per year.
Kolkata: The average salary for a tourist guide in Kolkata is INR 3 lakhs per year.
Chennai: The average salary for a tourist guide in Chennai is INR 2.5 lakhs per year.
Bangalore:Â The average salary for a tourist guide in Bangalore is INR 2.5 lakhs per year.
FAQ
- PGD in Travel and Tourism. Post Graduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism is a 1-2-year program.
- BBA in Travel and Tourism Management. BBA in Tourism and Travel Management is a 3 years undergraduate degree course that is conducted in semester mode.
- MBA IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT.
Tour guides often have rewarding and fun careers, as they’re in a position to educate and entertain the tour’s participants. Whether you’re leading a group to a travel destination or on a college campus, tour guides answer questions and provide guidance.
Tour Guide salary in India with less than 1 year of experience to 15 years ranges from ₹ 0.2 Lakhs to ₹ 8.8 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.2 Lakhs based on 135 latest salaries
- B.A. in Travel and Tourism Management.
- B.B.A in Tourism Management.
- International Hospitality and Tourism Management.
- B.Sc. …
- B.T.A (Bachelor of Tourism Administration)
- B.H.M (Bachelor of Hotel Management)
- Advanced Diplomas in Travel and Tourism.
A walking guide tour business can be a profitable venture, but there are several steps that owners must take to ensure their success. Here are some tips: Research your target market: Determine the interests and preferences of your target audience
After the completion of training programme, all candidates would be evaluated through an examination consisting of a written test and viva voce. Applicant who pass in both written test and viva voce, respective officer issues course completion certificate along with the tourist guide license.
- Lillian Chou, Beijing. Food tours on the move with Lillian Chou. …
- Sean Baxter, Staithes, North Yorkshire. Sean with his lobster pot on Staithes beach. …
- Neno Novakovic, Sarajevo. …
- Molly McIlwrath, Florence. …
- Mr Okada, north-eastern Honshu, Japan.
- guide people around a castle, gallery, historic house or garden.
- escort groups of tourists around a site.
- give information about the history, purpose and architecture of a site.
- accompany groups on day tours to a number of places of interest.
- answer questions and suggest other places to visit.
Yes, a career in travel and tourism is not only adventurous but also lucrative. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world with an increasing turnover and career opportunities that the world becomes more interconnected.
