1. What is the difference between Tour Manager, Director, Guide, leader?

There are many different terms for someone who leads a group. Typically if you are working locally you are a “guide”, over the road on a coach is a “director” or “manager” and overseas work is a “leader”.

2. What does a Tour Guide/Director/Manager do?

A Tour Guide answers all the questions that a tourist comes up with – from the history of the area to what time breakfast is served at the hotel. They are also expected to provide commentary on the area that the tour travels through, reconfirm every meal, boat cruise, hotel stay and activity that the group does. Aside from this, they may play the role of host, psychologist, parent, nurse and teacher.

3. I want to lead tours overseas; must I have visited the country before?

No, when traveling overseas you will be assisted by local guides who know the area well. When overseas your job is to liaise between the passengers and the local tour operator. TGT prepares you to work anywhere in the world.

4. Do I need to speak a second language?

No. There are enough English-speaking tourists around the world to keep you employed. The ability to speak a foreign language is an asset but not a necessity.

5. How much free time will I have on when leading tours?

Tour days vary in length. Some days are long with quite a few hours spent driving, others are short with free time provided for the passengers to shop or sightsee on their own. If the passengers are free so is the guide. Typically while conducting an 8-day tour you will have a few nights, and an afternoon or morning free. It is important to remember, however, that you are working and always on call.

6. How often is a Tour Director away on a trip?

A Tour Director can choose to work part-time or full-time. Most trips are 4 – 16 days long but there are exceptions to this rule. This means in the summer they conduct several tours then take the winter off, or they may work in warmer climes during the winter. How much time spent away on trips is really up to the individual.

7. How much money does a you make?

Guides are paid in three ways. On an 8-day tour with 40 passengers, pay could range from $2,000 to $3,000. Salary is usually around $100 per day, commissions can vary from $25 - $100 per day and gratuities might be $1,400 for the duration.

8. Why take the TGT certification?

Ongoing professional development is vital to any career. The Tour Guide answers to everyone in the field. We prepare you to be an efficient guide and put you a step ahead of your peers. The cost of the course can easily be recovered in just one tour; a small price to pay for the ongoing support that TGT provides. We assist you in finding employment, creating the perfect tour and working with your employer. Here is a list of some of the companies that have hired TGT graduates: Australia Pacific Touring, Great Canadian Coach, Contiki, EF Smithsonian, Jonview Canada Inc, Globus, Cosmos Tourama, and Trafalgar Tours.

9. May I come on a training tour (to observe)?

Yes, please do! You may come to a class or join us on one of our training tours with our Travel Leaders showing you the way. For detailed information on please Contact Us.

10. Does it matter where I live?

Typically, your employer will pay your travel from your home to the starting point of your tour and back so, it does not matter where you live. If you live close to an international airport, this allows you a greater opportunity to choose whom you work for.

11. May I speak with one of your graduates?

Yes! They would be happy to share their experience with you. Please send us your course registration and we will have someone contact you with all the tour guide answers.

12. What qualifications do your teachers hold?

Teachers working at TGT are required to hold a certification in teaching. Some hold the national recognized “Teacher of Adult Learners” certification received from various colleges. Some teachers hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree and have received further teaching qualifications through an accredited Teachers College. All teachers are required to have had 500 nights on the road directing tours and currently active in touring. Regardless of their training our teachers are there to provide all the tour guide answers!