Offbeat Careers in Tourism

The travel and tourism industry in India has been growing by leaps and bounds, creating a large number of diverse career opportunities for individuals today.

One such interesting career choice is that of a tourist guide, also referred to a tour guide.

Job Profile and Role of a Tour Guide / Tourist Guide

As the name suggests, a tourist guide is a person who takes the responsibility of guiding and helping tourists to discover a tourist destination such as a monument, a city, a state or even a country.

This is an ideal job for those who enjoy traveling, discovering new places and also have the knack for sharing the history and culture of tourist destinations with other people.

If you are a proud resident of your city with a strong knowledge of its history and tourist attractions and also have a penchant for guiding people, a career as a tourist guide may be just right for you.

Qualities and Qualifications of a successful Tourist Guide

• Since tourist guides are primarily involved in guiding other tourists to discover different places and tourist attractions in a city, state or country, they must be well travelled themselves.

• Tour guides should be well informed and possess in-depth knowledge about a city’s history, architectural influences, culture, and art, etc.

• Knowledge of different languages is definitely a plus.
• Tourist guides must be well read and have extensive knowledge of the areas they are promoting. This helps them to guide travellers and tourists in their thirst to discover a destination in complete detail including the must-sees such as tourist destinations, famous monuments and buildings, markets, and religious places, etc.
• Other personality traits and qualities that can come in handy when you pursue a career in tourism, especially as a tour guide include good communication skills, ability to help/guide people, a passion for travelling as well as strong leadership qualities.

Career Opportunities: Training to be a Tour Guide

A tourist guide can find employment with government organizations as well as private firms, tour operators, and travel agencies. Freelance opportunities also exist in this field.

If you are interested in becoming a tour guide, you can also seek relevant training with travel and tourism training institutes in the Government and private sectors.

Are you a professional Travel Guide? Write to us and share your experiences.