Occupation · SOC 39-7012
Travel Guides
Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
Median wage
—
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
—
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
35 mapped
Core skills
Service OrientationSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessActive ListeningPersuasionCoordinationTime ManagementReading ComprehensionWritingNegotiationJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningMonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesLearning StrategiesInstructingSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesMathematicsQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlOperations MonitoringOperations AnalysisProgrammingTechnology DesignTroubleshootingEquipment SelectionRepairingScienceInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingAdministrativeTransportationAdministration and ManagementGeographyEconomics and AccountingEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsPsychologyCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsLaw and GovernmentBiologyMedicine and DentistrySociology and AnthropologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyTherapy and CounselingProduction and ProcessingMechanicalEngineering and TechnologyPhysicsPhilosophy and TheologyFood ProductionBuilding and ConstructionDesignChemistryFine Arts
Technology & tools
Customer information databasesData visualization softwareFacebookFinancial accounting softwareGlobal positioning system GPS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordStructured query language SQLTableauTravel Agent CMSWeb browser softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersTraining and Teaching OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkScheduling Work and ActivitiesProcessing InformationSelling or Influencing OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersWorking with ComputersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesAnalyzing Data or InformationMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Tour itinerary templates — review and follow under direct supervisor guidance during initial client-facing assignments.Sightseeing and shopping recommendations — deliver scripted advice to tour participants at commonly visited destination sites.Transportation and accommodation bookings — assist in arranging details using office suite software under close supervisory direction.Tour group participants — greet and orient upon arrival at designated meeting points following established protocols.Basic first aid procedures — apply to minor injuries among group participants according to certified training guidelines.Travel package features — describe and present to prospective clients using prepared promotional materials under staff oversight.Special needs of individual tour participants — identify and report to a senior guide for appropriate action on group tours.Service feedback forms — collect from tour participants and submit to tour organizers at the conclusion of each trip.Customer relationship management (CRM) software — enter basic client contact and booking data under the direction of a senior guide.Tour group schedules — monitor time checkpoints and alert supervisor when itinerary milestones are at risk of being missed.
developing
Tour itineraries — plan and adjust applying working knowledge of travel routes, destination sites, and seasonal conditions.Accommodations and ground transportation — coordinate and confirm arrangements independently for standard group tours using booking databases.Itinerary disruptions and service delays — resolve routine problems by applying familiar problem-solving steps with minimal supervisor input.Special participant needs including mobility or dietary requirements — attend to proactively throughout the duration of a tour.Travel package options — sell to clients by adapting persuasive talking points to individual customer interests and budget ranges.Medical personnel availability and emergency contact protocols — arrange and verify before expeditions depart from the home base.Destination-specific sightseeing and shopping guidance — provide with increasing local knowledge to groups at multiple tour locations.Post-tour service evaluations — compile participant feedback and summarize findings in written reports submitted to tour organizers.Mobile location-based services software — use to track group movements and communicate real-time updates to participants in the field.Group dynamics and participant satisfaction — monitor throughout a tour and adjust pacing or programming to maintain positive experience.
proficient
Complex multi-stop tour itineraries — design and execute autonomously, integrating transportation, lodging, and activity logistics across diverse destinations.Non-routine itinerary crises such as weather disruptions or supplier failures — resolve decisively on behalf of the tour group in real time.High-value travel packages — sell through customized consultations, applying negotiation skills and nuanced understanding of client motivations.First aid including assessment of more serious injuries — administer competently and coordinate handoff to medical personnel during expeditions.Vendor and accommodation provider relationships — negotiate terms, evaluate service quality, and report findings to influence future tour planning.Participant special needs spanning accessibility, medical, and cultural considerations — manage comprehensively throughout the full tour lifecycle.Tour performance data — analyze using spreadsheet and CRM software to identify service trends and recommend itinerary improvements.Spontaneous sightseeing and cultural commentary — deliver accurately and engagingly across multiple destinations without reliance on scripted materials.Junior guides and support staff — coordinate task assignments and provide real-time coaching during active tour operations.Client-facing written communications including pre-tour briefing documents and post-tour summaries — produce independently to a professional standard.
advanced
Organization-wide tour portfolio — develop strategic itinerary offerings that align with market demand, profitability targets, and brand positioning.Company service standards for guide conduct, problem resolution, and participant care — establish and institutionalize across all tour products.Emerging travel destinations and route innovations — evaluate through research and pilot tours, leading adoption decisions for the organization.Guide training programs covering itinerary planning, first aid, and customer service — design and deliver to build organizational capability.Tour organizer and key vendor partnerships — negotiate and steward at a senior level to secure favorable terms and consistent quality.Organizational CRM, booking, and reporting technology systems — champion selection, implementation, and staff adoption to improve operational efficiency.Complex client escalations and reputational risk situations — resolve at the executive level, preserving client relationships and company standing.Revenue and profitability performance of tour operations — oversee using analytical software dashboards and guide data-driven investment decisions.Cross-functional sales and marketing strategies for travel packages — lead in collaboration with marketing teams to grow market share.Industry trends in accessible and sustainable tourism — champion adoption of inclusive practices and responsible tourism standards across the organization.
Also known as
33 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Adventure GuideAlpine GuideCruise AgentCruise ConsultantCruise CoordinatorCruise CounselorCruise DirectorCruise GuideDestination CoordinatorDestination Imagination CoordinatorDude WranglerEvent GuideExperience GuideGuideHunting and Fishing GuideInternational Guest CoordinatorMountain Services ManagerNaturalist GuideProgram GuideRaft GuideRiver Expedition GuideRiver GuideTour ConsultantTour CoordinatorTour EscortTour ManagerTour Operations SpecialistTour OperatorTrail GuideTravel ConsultantTravel GuideVIP Tour Guide (Very Important Person Tour Guide)Whitewater Rafting Guide