The Professional Tour Manager Certification Course is comprised of 35 hours of in class study and 3 days touring on a Motor coach practicing newly learned skills. The objective is to train those who are interested in tour management to be professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and ethical.

Anyone interested in guiding can participate in this course. It is highly interactive, providing an opportunity to learn from each other as well as the trainer. Both experienced and new Tour Managers will benefit from our new, creative approach to leading tours.

The concept of certification as a Tour Manager or Tour Guide has been in place for many years in other parts of the world. In Europe, Asia and South America a guide is often certified by a government body. Although this is not the case in Canada, there is no reason our guides cannot be as good or better!

Level One (Day 1) Local Tourism Foundations

Introductions, Course Overview, Student Expectations, Tour Operators, Destination Marketing Organizations, Tourism Industry Structure, Tour Director, Tour Leader, Tour Guide, Compensation for Services, Brochures, Types of Tours, Types of Services Provided, Independent Contractor vs. Employee

Level One (Day 2) Commentary Preparation

Research Commentary, Reference Material, Creativity, Mind Mapping, Bicycle Technique, Storytelling, Descriptions, New Technology/Software, Props, Culture, Current Events

Level One (Day 3) Tour Preparation I

Creating a City Tour, Understanding Timing, Attractions, Points of Interest, Routing, Sightseeing, Pre-trip Duties, Confirming Suppliers, Arrival/Departure Procedures, Rooming/Boarding Lists, Spot Time, Reservations, Packing Efficiently

Level One (Day 4) Tour Preparation II

Guide Teams, Destination Briefings, Tour Preparation, Map Reading, Coach Entertainment, Props, Passengers Arrivals, Working with Suppliers, Briefings, Welcome/Farewell Functions, Role Clarification, Passenger Documentation

Level Two (Day 5) Touring Procedures

Passenger Safety, Suppliers, Service Providers, Meet & Greet, Ethics, Day To Day Problems, Gratuities, Over the Road procedures, Hotel Check-Ins, Briefings, Service Payments, Technical Itinerary vs. Passenger Itinerary, Luggage Handling, Group Meals, Special Assistance, Group Information, Seat Rotation, Routing, Timing, Appropriate Stops

Level Two (Day 6) Handling People

Communication Skills, Understanding Human Behavior, Group Dynamics, Problem Solving, Ego States, Listening, Conflict Resolution, Motivation, Establishing Credibility, On Tour Conduct, Group Leadership, Difficult passengers, Group Psychology

Level Two (Day 7) Special Procedures

Behind the scenes operations of: Airlines, Hotels, Tour Operators, Airport Check-In Procedures, Airline Delays/Cancellations, Jet Lag, Rail Tour Procedures, Cruise Tour Procedures, Natural Disasters, Terrorism, Ferry Procedures, Problem solving

Level Two (Day 7) Professional Development and Career Options

Personal Interview

One-on-one interview to assist in determining your goals; both immediate and long term. Receive feed-back from the course, and determine your next course of action to have you working in the field. This one hour session will be scheduled individually. In this interview we will cover: Placement Assistance, Tour Operator List, Ongoing Training, TGT Newsletters, Resume & Cover Letter Writing

Level Two (Field Trip)

In order to fully appreciate the role of a Tour Director and Guide participants must experience this first hand. Acting as a leader on a coach tour is the final part of the training. Our trips depart from the downtown core of the city hosting the training. Each trip is 3 days long and encompasses nearby attractions. Some of our destinations include

From Vancouver: Kelowna, Sunpeaks, Whistler

From Toronto: New York, Montreal, Quebec City

From Halifax: Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island, Bay of Fundy

During the tour participants will provide commentary, look after luggage, check-in with suppliers, entertain guests and learn what is expected from a guide in that area. All work is done in groups with your classmates. This final trip allows the participant to put the training to action and prepare them for their new career as a Tour Director.