TOUR 131-REVIEWER
Herodotus. At this time, people depended on guides who
CHAPTER 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF TOUR GUIDING
Training – needed before a tour guide becomes a professional
Tourist – tour guides’ client
Interpretation – the process of describing the meaning and
significance of cultural and natural attractions
TOUR GUIDING
 refers to the provision of professional service to interpret
the cultural and natural heritage of an area (World
Federation of Tourist Guide Associations n.d.).
 In this sense, interpretation does not only refer to the
translation of information from one language to another but
also the description of cultural and natural attractions that
help people gain a better understanding and appreciation of
such
ELEMENTS OF TOUR GUIDING
1. Professionalism - Tour guiding is a profession, which
means that before becoming a tour guide, a person must
first undergo a training program. In many countries, one
must acquire a license to practice legally.
2. Service - Service is intangible, perishable, and unique.
3. Interpretation- Tour guiding is a form of interpretation.
This means that one of the tour guide’s roles is to educate
the tourists about the meaning and significance of cultural
and natural attractions.
4. Physical Elements - Tour guides combine service with the
physical elements to create the total tourism experience for
clients. The physical elements include the facilities of
hotels, modes of transportation, and the things that tourists
find in tourist attractions, such as parks and museums.
IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY TOUR GUIDING SERVICES
 Enhancing the tourist experience
 Providing accurate and reliable information
 Ensuring safety and security
 Personalized and customized experiences
 Promoting cultural understanding and respect
 Supporting local communities and sustainable tourism
IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONALISM IN TOUR GUIDING
 Enhancing tourist satisfaction
 Positive impact on destination image
 Creating positive experience
 Ensuring safety and security
 Building credibility and trust
 Promoting destination and cultural understanding
 Upholding ethical standards
CHAPTER 2: THE HISTORY OF TOUR GUIDING
DTENCOS- These are guides who volunteer for a small museum not
often work for free only in the Philippines but all over the world.
Tourism - One of the largest and fastest growing industries
Tour Guiding - It ranks among the world's oldest profession
Punctuality - Refers to one of the characteristics a tour guide must
possess
TINDUCO- The tour guide assumes the roles of the host, public
representative, leader, and educator.
Herodotus
 was the world's first travel writer.
 The first accounts of travel in ancient empires were those of
spoke their language.
 Tourists are helpless without a guide
ANCIENT EMPIRE
 During ancient times, despite the slow and dangerous
nature of travel, civilizations like the Persians, Assyrians,
and Egyptians pursued organized land and sea journeys.
 In the era of the Greek Empire, tourism flourished with tour
guides sharing discoveries and observations, and events
such as festivals, shows, and the Olympic Games, which
began in 776 B.C., inspiring pleasure travel
 With the growth of tourism, the number of guides also
increased. In the Greek language, guides were referred to as
"periegetai" or leaders, and "exegetai" or explainers.
They were also known as "proxemos," whose role was to
assist citizens in traveling abroad
 First travelers were the Greeks, and the tour guiding were
the Egyptians
 During the ancient empire, tour guiding played a significant
role in facilitating travel and exploration. Guides were
knowledgeable individuals who provided assistance and
information to tourists, whether they were foreign or
domestic. They served as interpreters and translators,
explaining the cultural and natural heritage of the region to
visitors in their preferred language. These guides were
often recognized and authorized by the relevant authorities,
ensuring the quality and authenticity of the information
they shared.
MIDDLE AGES
 The period between Rome's fall and the Renaissance is
known as the Dark Ages (500 A.D. and 1508 A.D.). •
Rome's fall has led to a decline in trade and the economy in
general and a decline in travel desire. Tour guiding during
the Middle Ages • Guides positions are pathfinders,
protectors, security escorts, and even bridges during this era
are stressed to ensure safe passage.
 A guide was paid a large fee, according to Casson, a
historian, because he not only led the way but also created
safe behavior for the
 During the period following the fall of Rome, the most
common journeys were religious pilgrimages undertaken
by the middle and upper classes to holy sites, and trade
trips by merchants. However, due to the economic decline
and social chaos, safety became a concern, enhancing the
role of guides as pathfinders, protectors, and safety escorts,
who were highly compensated for ensuring safe passage
RENAISSANCE AND GRAND TOUR
 During the Renaissance, the image of tour guides
significantly improved as they became integral to the Grand
Tour, a cultural journey undertaken by young men of the
upper classes through several European countries, ending in
Italy. These guides played a crucial role in educating the
'grand tourists' in foreign refined languages, self-reliance,
tastes, and graceful manners.
MODERN AGE
 In the 17th and 18th centuries, travel was primarily
undertaken by explorers and individuals seeking a new way
of life, rather than for pleasure. Pleasure travel was limited
due to constraints of distance, time, money, and
transportation. However, the 19th century saw the advent of
inclusive tours with Thomas Cook, who founded the first
travel agency, and the recognition of the tour guide
profession grew worldwide, despite the physically
demanding nature of the job and the responsibility of
ensuring the well-being of the tourists
The history of tour guiding holds significant importance for
several reasons
  Firstly, it provides insights into the evolution of the tourism
industry and how it has developed over time.
Understanding the historical context helps us appreciate the
progress made in terms of travel infrastructure, modes of
transportation, and the growth of tourism destinations.
 Secondly, studying tour guiding history allows us to
recognize the contributions of individuals who played
pivotal roles in shaping the industry. From early guides
who provided assistance and interpretation to modern-day
professionals, their expertise and knowledge have enhanced
the travel experiences of tourists.
 Additionally, tour guiding history highlights the cultural
and social aspects of tourism. It showcases the role of
guides in facilitating cultural exchange, promoting
understanding between different communities, and
preserving the heritage of destinations.
 Overall, the significance of tour guiding history lies in its
ability to provide a deeper understanding of the tourism
industry, its impact on society, and the role of guides in
creating meaningful and memorable travel experiences.
CHAPTER 3: TYPE OF TRAVELLERS
TOURISM UPDATE
Forecasts for 39 Asia Pacific destinations, released by the Pacific
Asia Travel Association (PATA) today, show a very strong increase in
aggregate international visitor arrivals (IVAs) under each of three
scenarios in 2023, with robust annual growth continuing to the end of
2025
2,002,304- JAN 1-MAY 12, 2023 1.7million- 2022 TARGET
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAVELERS
Travelers can be categorized in several ways. To illustrate the
behavior of travelers and their impact on a region, it is classified into
seven categories:
1. Explorers – these are participant observers who travel alone or
in very small groups.
Batanes - Known for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and
rugged coastlines, Batanes offers a remote and untouched destination
for explorer travelers.
Biri Island - Located in Northern Samar, Biri Island is known for its
impressive rock formations and rugged coastline, providing a thrilling
and adventurous experience for explorer travelers.
Lake Sebu - Situated in the province of South Cotabato Lake Sebu is
home to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and the indigenous T'boli
community, offering a cultural and naturerich experience for
explorers
2. Elite travelers – they can afford to spend much to have an
unusual travel experience. Like the explorers, they are few in
number and therefore pose little or no threat to the local
population. It often pertains to individuals who have a deep
passion for travel, possess a deep passion for exploring the
world, have a wealth of knowledge about various destinations,
and often have the means to travel luxuriously
Banwa Private Island, located in the archipelago of Palawan, is the
world's most expensive island resort, costing $100,000 per night.
 The secluded 15-acre island offers luxurious
accommodations, including beachfront villas, garden
rooms, and a top-level residential suite, accommodating up
to 48 people.
 The all-inclusive resort provides a full staff of chefs,
organic farm produce, on-site honey production, and a
range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and spa
treatments.
 Minimum stay requirements range from three to five nights
depending on the time of year.
 Transfers to and from Manila are not included, and prices
start at $990 per way for a nine-passenger seaplane and
$11,580 round-trip for a five-passenger helicopter
The Maldives is recognized as one of the top luxury destinations, as
stated by a luxury columnist known for its stunning natural beauty,
including pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
• With private island resorts and overwater villas offering
high-end amenities and exceptional underwater
experiences, the Maldives provides a perfect setting for
indulgent getaways amidst a serene atmosphere.
• The cost of accommodation in the Maldives varies
depending on factors like resort type, location, and desired
luxury level, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several
thousand dollars per night. Standard rooms in mid-range
resorts can cost $300 to $800 per night, while luxurious
overwater villas or private island resorts can start from
$1,000 per night. It's important to research and compare
resorts, consider amenities and services, and determine a
budget that suits your preferences when planning a trip to
the Maldives.
3. Off–beat tourists – they travel alone or in very small numbers.
They avoid crowds, other tourists, and typical sightseeing.
They adapt well to local lifestyles and amenities and pose few
problems to local residents
Off-beat travelers can explore Apo Island, a nearby island from
Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Apo Island is renowned for its marine
sanctuary and abundant sea turtle population, making it a perfect
destination for off-beat travelers seeking a unique and eco-friendly
experience.
Camiguin, the "Island Born of Fire," offers off-beat travelers the
opportunity to explore diverse natural attractions, including
waterfalls, hot springs, and the Sunken Cemetery, while immersing
themselves in the island's unique landscapes and local culture.
Malapascua Island, located in the northern region of Cebu, is
renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, and transparent waters, and
is a favored diving spot, especially for observing thresher sharks.
Offbeat travelers can relish in the serene ambiance and discover the
island's captivating underwater treasures
4. Unusual Tourists - They demand more amenities and also look
for unusual, adventurous or primitive experiences.
5. Incipient Mass Tourists – They represent business and vacation
travelers. They usually travel individually or in small groups and
demand Western-style amenities
6. Mass Tourists – they are large groups of middle–class travelers
who visit popular sites and also demand Western–style
amenities.
7. Charter tourists – They arrive in large groups, generating a
large volume of business but often demanding impersonal and
standardized services.
 The impact on the local region is great. To accommodate
these large numbers, tour operators must offer name tags
and little one-to-one interaction with visitors and locals
 As the number of tourists increases, different expectations
come up, more facilities are required to handle them and
more stressful contacts between hosts and guests take place.
 Mass and charter tourists are so concerned with having
Western-style amenities that they place an undue strain on
local economies, environments, and cultures to provide
these services. This contributes to the eradication of the
region’s unique lifestyle.
The Group Traveler
 Group travelers can be classified into various types based
on their interests, motivations, and the nature of their
group.
 Millions of people prefer group travel to travel alone.
Comfort, safety, education, economy, and companionship
are the primary reasons why people opt for group travel.
 Group travel offers the easiest and often the only way to
gain access to some places.
 Group travelers at present include families, extended family
reunions, corporate travelers, association executives,
 association members, clubs, affinity groups, school groups,
university and alumni groups, people with disabilities,
foreign and domestic travelers joining groups, and business
and incentive groups.
Student Groups
• Student groups are popular in some regions especially in
historic places or in places that lend themselves in some
way to the curriculum of the school.
• Practically every provincial capital destination for regional
school groups.
• The same is true with cities that have zoos, fine museums,
historic homes, and other educational attractions
• Familiarization tours are popular among college students in
the Philippines as they provide practical exposure and
hands-on experience
• Students who travel in groups usually fall between the ages
of 11 and 17. Occasions for student group travel include
senior class trips, safety patrol trips, and trips related to
specific curricula topics.
• There are several challenges in working with students. It is
important for teachers and guides to establish clear ground
rules and require discipline among the students
• Many guides allow accompanying teachers to set the
organizational and disciplinary tone for the tour since as
chaperones, their primary duty is the safety of the students.
Business Travelers
 those who are visiting a region to conduct business such as
sales, research, meetings, and conferences. Sightseeing is
usually secondary to their trip
 Usually interested in an overview rather than on in-depth
tour.
 Many business travelers are regular travelers and may be
pressed for time or are looking for assistance in seeking a
city or region on their own. In the case of conventions,
tours are usually brief and structured and are generally pre-
arranged by meeting planners.
Incentive Travelers
 These are businesspeople who were given trips by
companies as a reward for their accomplishments or to
motivate them to achieve more than what is required.
 These people visit an area principally for pleasure. The
field of incentive travel is highly competitive and
specialized.
 Most incentive tours are contracted through incentive
houses which have high standards of service
Family Travelers
 Family travel is increasing. Catering to families is
becoming a trend within the tourism industry.
 Organizing tours for families is an interesting challenge
because interpretations must appeal to two or more or
sometimes three generations
Senior Citizen
 The characteristics of older people reflect those of human
nature. Some characteristics are favorable; some are
unfavorable.
 Senior travelers, typically aged 60 and above, prefer
leisurely and relaxed travel experiences, with a focus on
cultural exploration and group travel. They prioritize
accessibility, comfort, and safety, and may opt for slower
paced itineraries and accommodations that cater to their
specific needs.
 Senior travelers prioritize transportation with specific needs
like assistance with luggage, priority seating, and
accommodations for mobility devices. They also prioritize
access to medical assistance, destinations with nearby
medical facilities, and carrying necessary medications.
Additionally, they consider dietary requirements and value
social interaction and companionship during their trips
Clubs or Affinity Groups
 .These groups usually have a common interest. They are
generally enjoyable when the values or interests of the
group coincide with those of the guide. These groups are
usually pre- acquainted and compatible.
Public Tour Groups
 The only element participants in a public tour have in
common is that they decided to visit the same place at the
same time.
 Since these individuals are usually not acquainted, the first
and the most obvious challenge for the guide is to interpret
a diverse group of people and attempt to unite the group.
International Travelers
 is a person who travels across national borders from their
home country to a different country.
 This travel can be for various reasons, such as business,
education, leisure, or visiting friends and relatives.
 International travelers experience different cultures,
languages, cuisines, and environments, enriching their
understanding of the world
TYPES OF TOUR GUIDES
1. Urban/City Tour Guides
 Those who take pleasure in telling the story of a city or
region.
 Most urban guides are freelancers who contract their work
on a tour-by-tour basis although some of them are employed
by some large agencies on a full-time basis.
2. Government Guides
 They are the guides employed by the local or national
government to show the nation’s most important histories,
and cultural and political policies to visitors
3. Driver Guides
 They conduct tours while driving motor coaches, vans, or
cars.
 Coaches are equipped with freestanding microphones, which
allow drivers to drive and speak easily
Advantages
 Hiring driver-guides is more economical for tour companies
and they provide a more personalized service.
 It decreases manpower because instead of hiring a driver and
guide, the guides do two things at the same time and that is
to conduct tours while driving motor coaches, vans, or cars.
Disadvantage
 It is less safe since both driving and guiding require
concentration.
 It is not very informative because the driver must remain
with the vehicle and is unable to conduct walking tours or
tours inside buildings.
4. Specialist/ adventure Guides
 Including mountaineering guides, bicycle guides, fishing
guides, and rafting guides.
 The work of an adventure guide develops from a serious
devotion to a sport or activity.
  Guides especially components in a particular subject or field guides may lead groups or individuals through historical sites,
of interest. museums, geographic destinations, and on outdoor excursions

 Ex: spelunking, architecture, arts, scuba diving, mountain

climbing, bird watching, photography

5. Docents/ Volunteer Guides

CHAPTER 4: SETTINGS AND TECHNIQUES IN TOUR
 They work in visitor centers, museums, historic houses, GUIDING
churches, and other places that people usually visit
ETHICS
6. Local Guides
- good behavior
 They are competent to conduct tours in a given area or
locality, building, or attraction, also called on-site guides\ - moral maturity

7. Courier/Escort - knowing what is good and what is bad

 Meet members of a tour on arrival and make introductions Relationships with fellow guides

1. Treat others as you would wish to be treated.

 Organizing correct baggage transfers
 Accompanying parties in transits and assuring safe arrival
 Promoting and arranging optional activities
2. When taking visitors to crowded places, guides should be
considerate with other guides and groups who are waiting to see a
site.

3. Always share information that could be helpful to colleagues.

THE QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL TOUR GUIDE Relationships with employers

• Knowledgeable 1. Always appear neat and clean with proper uniform and badge.

• Outgoing and Approachable 2. Maintain a businesslike and socially acceptable demeanor.

• Confident 3. Never share a company’s trade secrets or internal problems with

clients or employees of another company.
• Proactive
4. Follow and complete their tour itinerary.
• Sensitive
5. Never solicit work for oneself or another company through a
• Flexible company’s client.

• Sincere Relationships with other colleagues

• Well-groomed 1. Attempt to learn more about other aspects of the industry.

• Sense of Humor 2. Always acknowledge a colleague’s excellent service by telling it to

the individual concerned, the individual’s supervisor or the travelers
• Good Communication Skills who have benefited from it.
ROLE OF THE TOUR GUIDE 3. If a problem arises, discuss it privately, without being heard by
clients.
Cohen (1985) states that traditionally the role of the guide has been
focused on two issues one of “pathfinder” and one of “mentor” 4. Avoid gossiping about colleagues.
A pathfinder is described as one who leads others through social and Relationships to travelers
natural areas unknown to its followers.
1. Guides must treat all tour members with equal time, attention and
While the mentor role is embedded within the concepts of personal dignity.
tutor and spiritual advisor and is described as “a specialist serving as
a guru to the seeker, guiding towards insight and enlightenment 2. Guides should give accurate and interesting information and strive
to learn more.
Although differed in their values about the primary role of tour
guides, all agreed on two issues: 3. Guides should try to be very objective and diplomatic.

1.) that the guide’s role varies, depending upon the setting, the
visitor, the purpose of the visit and the guide himself; and
2.) that one of the characteristics of a professional guide is the ability
to carry out a wide variety of duties and functions simultaneously
KEY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 Leading and managing the tour group
 Providing information
 Answering questions
 Ensuring safety
 Enhancing the experience
 Assisting with logistics
Tour guides, or tourist guides, are members of the hospitality and
travel industry who show visitors around places of interest. Tour
4. Guides should keep their guests comfortable and safe.
5. Guides should never look down on a region’s customs or consider
them strange or weird just because they are different from their own.
6. Guides should never solicit tips
Responsibilities to local regions and to society
Guides can play a powerful role in promoting socially responsible
behavior among visitors. Many travelers seek help from their guides
in interacting with a local region and its people
Responsibilities to local regions and to society
The following are suggestions for guides in promoting responsible,
ethical tourism:
1. Encourage visitors to meet local people.
2. Explain local customs to visitors when they differ from the
customs of the group.
3. Remind visitors to help maintain the region’s clean and safe 2.Boarding- position yourself in a strategic location “give an
environment. appropriate greeting” and count head

4. Exercise caution and respect for local people when passing through 3.Introduction
areas in which poverty, crime and environmental damage are
prevalent. 4.Starting a tour- introduce yourself as well as the coach captain.

5. Always travel with dignity and respect and remind visitors to do
same especially in sacred places, private homes, and sites with
valuable artifacts.
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TOUR GUIDING
5.Delivery of spiel/commentary
6.Catching tourist’s attention- alert the people of an approaching sight
of interests and give the appropriate commentary only when the sight
is visible to most.

1. Smile 7.Motivating tourists

2. Dress properly 8.Controlling/disciplining the tourists

3. Be patient 9.Handling tours (touring, stopover, walking tours) – always

supervise disembarking. Gather most of them before providing the
4. Be ready appropriate commentary on site. Allow time for picture taking and
other activities, such as use of restrooms. Supervise re-boarding and
5. Be friendly and courteous always count heads.
6. Be Calm and Positive 10.Shopping
7. Be Prepared 11.Coping up with problems
8. Study your People 12.How/when to say “I don’t know”
9. Protect other suppliers 13.Ending the tour- before disembarking, give a reminder of the next
activity/movement and a thank you speech. When the clients have
10. Be understanding but firm
disembarked, check each seat for items that may have been left
Seven Sins of Service as Applied to Guiding behind. Thank the coach captain

1.Treating customers with apathy Tour Guides perform in any setting

2.Brushing customers off  Inside the vehicle

3.Being cold to customers  Inside a building

4.Treating customers with arrogance  Open areas

5.Working like a robot MAKING AND DELIVERING COMMENTARY

6.Getting hung up on the rule book - Tour commentaries are planned, structured, and carefully studied
information designed to be the tool for the tour activity to be
7.Giving customers “the run-around” understood, appreciated and related to the actual sightseeing part of
Working with Different Age Groups the tour itinerary

Types of Commentaries:
 Students
1.Required
 Senior Citizens
2.Informative
Working with Difficult People
3.Requested
• The first duty of a guide when he meets the group is to
create an atmosphere of harmony and mutual trust. 4.Optional
• In the first meeting, visitors will examine the guide for
signs about his or her attitude, personality, capability and How to make a commentary?
other indications about the kind of experience they will
1.Accurate
have.
2.Selective and relevant
Working under Difficult Circumstances
3.Structured
 The most difficult circumstances are those involving safety
such as medical emergencies and motor coach breakdowns. 4.Varied
Handling complaints requires patience and diplomacy.
Since guides are normally hired by tour operators, they 5. Objective
must speak on behalf of the company.
Steps in delivering commentary
In case of customer complaints, guides should ask themselves
these questions: 1.Begin with a smile, greetings and introduction.

1.What exactly is the complaint? 2.Brief the guests about the tour for the day

2.Is the guest’s complaint valid? 3.Review the inclusions and exclusions of the tour.

3.Can the situation be resolved easily? If so, how? 4.Give the distance and traveling time to the destination.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES IN TOUR GUIDING: 5.Tell them what to expect from the tour.

1.Reporting time- 30 minutes to 1hour advance before the tour’s 6.Give necessary precautions.
departure (a.) Assemble the people (b.) Have time to make last 7.Don’t forget to point important landmarks along the\
minute adjustment
way.

8.Announce comfort stops.

9.Always do the head count.