Occupation

Tour Guides and Escorts

Human Advantage 69%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.7 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.

Also Known As: Admitting Office Escort, Adventure Guide, Alpine Guide, Art Museum Aide, Art Museum Docent, Discovery Guide, Docent, Duck Driver +44 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions.
  2. Escort individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries.
  3. Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
  4. Conduct educational activities for school children.
  5. Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.
  6. Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
  7. Select travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas.

Supplemental Tasks (12)

  1. Provide for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations.
  2. Assemble and check the required supplies and equipment prior to departure.
  3. Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.
  4. Distribute brochures, show audiovisual presentations, and explain establishment processes and operations at tour sites.
  5. Drive motor vehicles to transport visitors to establishments and tour site locations.
  6. Train other guides and volunteers.
  7. Provide information about wildlife varieties and habitats, as well as any relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to hunting and fishing.
  8. Teach skills, such as proper climbing methods, and demonstrate and advise on the use of equipment.
  9. Collect fees and tickets from group members.
  10. Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing, operating switchboards, or routing mail and messages.
  11. Solicit tour patronage and sell souvenirs.
  12. Speak foreign languages to communicate with foreign visitors.

Education & Training

Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
31%
Bachelor's Degree
30%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
22%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
8%
Less than a High School Diploma
4%
Master's Degree
2%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
2%
Some College Courses
2%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom

Software (22)

  • Apple Safari
  • Centaur Systems Centaur Travel Business Management System TBMS
  • Email software
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • IBS Software Services Tour Partner
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Padlet
  • Pear Deck
  • RBS GoTour Online
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Softrip Travel Software System
  • TourTech Systems TourTools
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (10)

  • ActiveMap Tour Guide software
  • Cell phones
  • Desktop computers
  • First aid kits
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Microphones
  • Personal digital assistants PDA
  • Tour boats
  • Tour buses
  • Touring bicycles

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Travel & Leisure Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Zone 3
Tour Guides and Escorts You are here

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