ETHICS OF TOUR GUIDING

Definition of Tour Guide

·         One who conducts a tour or one with a broad knowledge of a particular area whose primary duty is to inform.

·         According to the Tour Guide Code of 1987 promulgated by the Department of Tourism, a tour guide is an individual who is licensed by the local government and accredited by the Department of Tourism to guide tourists, both foreign and domestic, for a fee, commission, or any other form of lawful remuneration.

Types of Guides

a.       Urban Guides – are those who take pleasure in telling the story of a city or region.

John Francis Marion – he is an author, historian and guide in Philadelphia. He is called the “Happy Historian’” and “Legend” of Philadelphia.

b.      Government Guides – states, local and national governments employ guides to show their most important historic, cultural, political and scenic facilities to visitors.

c.       Driver Guides – conduct tours driving motor coaches, vans, or cars.

d.      Business or Industry Guides – several corporations, large or small, hire guides to conduct tours of their facilities to educate visitors, promote their business or industry and uplift the image of their company.

e.       Adventure Guides – include mountaineering guides, bicycle guides, fishing, and rafting guides.

f.        Tour Managers – one who administers and regulates a tour. He is the one responsible for the smooth operation of the group tour.

g.       Interpreters – translator of foreign languages and one who communicates by sign language.

h.      Escort Interpreters – is one who accompanies foreign visitors who are officially invited by the government.

i.        Docents or Volunteer Guide – They are found in most every city and town, at visitor centers, museums, historic houses, churches, and other places that people usually visit.

History of Tour Guiding

The Ancient Empire

·         As tourism flourished, the number of guides increased.

·         In Greek language, guides were called “perigetai” or leaders around or “exegetai” or explainer.

·         “Proxemos” whose function was to help fellow citizens in traveling abroad.

The Middle Ages

·         The most prevalent type of journey at this time was the religious pilgrimage, a holiday primarily for the upper and the middle classes to such places as Canterbury, Winchester, and Walsingham.

The Renaissance and the Grand Tour

·         Tour guides was very much improved during this period. It was during this period that young men of the upper class traveled from Britain on the Grand Tour.

The Modern Age

·         Travelers were explorers rather than pleasure travelers.

Qualities of an Ideal Tour Guide

1.       Enthusiasm – The most important characteristic of successful guides is the keen interest for the subject matter and the travelers.

2.       An outgoing and approachable nature – friendly, open in many types of situations and encourage others to do the same.

3.       Self-confidence – requires self-esteem combined with experience.

4.       A proactive Nature – guides are subject to challenging and unpredictable situations for which they must find quick solutions.

5.       Sensitivity – includes a wide range of human understanding and are sensitive to the needs of tourists.

6.       Flexibility – includes the ability to be adaptable and patient.

7.       Authenticity – genuineness and honesty.

8.       A pleasant, professional appearance -  first impressions last

9.       Sense of Humor – It can bring people closer together, put them at ease and help make travel enjoyable instead of stressful and unpleasant.

10.   Knowledge – a well rounded body of knowledge about different topics is very important.

11.   Good communication skills – include articulation, eye contact, gestures, and a clear pleasant speaking voice

12.   Organization – sticking to a schedule despite delays, meeting appointments, an interacting with guests

13.   Decisiveness – a guide must be able to make quick decisions

14.   Good health – it entails a good deal of proper nutrition to become physically fit.

15.   Personal Integrity – a strong sense of ethics is essential to success.

16.   Charisma – personal magic of leadership arousing popular loyalty or enthusiasm.

“It is the destination that really matters, because it gives right direction needed for the journey”

Prepared by:      Marie Claire B. Briones, MBA