LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES • Pointing out places of interest;

• preparing & presenting tour guide spiels

WEEK # 1 called tour commentaries;
Tour - a guided journey or visit to various • researching & sharing general information
places of interest, typically with explanations about a place;
and insights provided by a tour guide. • Attending to operational problems, such as
Landmark - a prominent or historically booking changes, lost bags, or sickness &
significant site or feature that is often used providing first aid if needed; and
to guide tourists. • preparing & submitting post-tour written
Route - the path or direction taken during a reports.
tour, determining the locations and
sequence of visits. In tour guiding profession they have two
classifications:
Thomas Cook - is an online travel agent
offering package holidays, hotel only, city • Free Lance - not permanently connected
breaks and more, to destinations all over with any travel agency and pad per trip.
the world. “The patron saint of modern • Staff Guide - permanently connected with
tour guide. “ a travel agency, receives monthly salary

TOUR -​ Urban Guides - Those who take

From the Latin word tornare and Greek pleasure in telling the story of a city
tornos, meaning to circle around, means to or region.
come back to the point of origin after going -​ Government Guides - Guides for
to a destination elsewhere. states, local and national
governments, employ to show their
➢ In tourism, the word ’tour’ refers to the different historic, cultural, political
activities of people when they go to a place and scenic facilities.
to see and learn about it in person. -​ Driver Guides - conduct tours
driving motor coaches, vans, or cars.
TOUR GUIDE — is a person who guides Although this dual role is quite
tourists as they go about a foreign place. common throughout the world, it is
illegal in some areas.
OTHER TERM FOR TOUR GUIDE -​ Adventure Guides - Guides with
✓ Tourist Guide special skills in exciting but daring
✓ Local Guide activities such as mountaineering,
✓ City Guide scuba diving and wind surfing.
✓ Sightseeing Guide -​ Eco Tour guide - The most recent
classification refers to individuals
ROLES OF A TOUR GUIDE who perform the tour guide roles
• meeting & greeting the tour participants within ecological classified areas,
upon arrival; where nature, flora fauna and local
• Facilitating introductions; communities or indigenous people
• Coordinating pre-arranged tours to local are the main interest.
attractions, shops, restaurants, etc.;
 -​ Interpreter - Translator of foreign
languages. One who practice the art WEEK # 2
of revealing meanings and Commentary - explanations and remarks
relationship in natural, cultural, given by tour guides during a trip; guide
recreational resources. speak
-​ Docents or Volunteer Guides - Sites - are places or spot tourist attraction
Volunteer guides are most are located.
commonly called docents. In many Sights - are places what the eyes can see
countries, particularly in the United
States, docents are found in most The Tour Commentary
every city and town, at visitor’s ➢ A TOUR COMMENTARY is a narrative
centers, museums, historic houses, used by a tour guide to describe a site
churches, and other places that and provide information about various
people usually visit aspects of a country to tourists while on a
tour.
TYPES OF TOUR GUIDE
1. Local Guide - Individuals tasked to There are four types of commentary;
perform some of the tour guide roles within required, informative, requested and
a defined geographical location or confined optional.
areas that specialize in historical, cultural or
religious aspects such as in the historical Five contents of a tour commentary;
island of Corregidor. Introduction, Body, Reaction, Reminders
2. Specialized Tour Guide - This guide has and Closing.
an in-depth knowledge of selected subject
matters and/or is proficient skills required to STEPS IN PREPARING TOUR
service that needs of special visitors such COMMENTARIES
as Bird Watching in Palawan. 1. Get a map of the tourist site and plot the
3. Eco-Tour Guide - Individuals who location of all the tourist attractions that the
perform the tour guide roles within the tour group is going to visit.
classified areas, where nature, 2. Plot locations of toilets, food stores,
flora, fauna and the local communities or souvenirs shops, security office and clinics.
indigenous people are the main interest. 3. Identify a starting point and a meet-up
4. Escort - accompanying leader of group point at the end of the tour.
of tourists usually from the point of origin to 4. Think of a logical arrangement for visiting
the destination. the tourist attractions such that you will visit
5. Linguist Guide - fluent in 2 or more the closest one to the starting point first and
languages. then work your way through until you reach
the meet-up point making sure that no effort
Philippine Tour Guide Day - Third Monday and time are wasted because of
of June crisscrossing paths and backtracking.

The Philippines is an archipelagic country COMPONENTS OF A GOOD TOUR

composed of 7,641 islands with 82 COMMENTARY
provinces divided in 17 regions.
1. Parts of a Good Tour Commentary ✓ Midnight to Noon: The hours from 0000
2. Promote your country to 1200 correspond to standard time (e.g.,
3. Educational But Not Boring 8:00 AM is 0800).
4. Informative But Not Overwhelming ✓ Noon to Midnight: The hours from 1300
5. Good stories to 2359 correspond to afternoon and
evening hours (e.g., 2:00 PM is 1400, and
WEEK 3 11:59 PM is 2359).
ETA - estimated time of arrival or time to get
to destination. WEEK # 4
ETD - estimated time of departure or time of TRAVEL AND TOUR DOCUMENTS
leaving. Travel and tour documents in tour guiding
Logbook - a record book containing are essential records and paperwork
relevant information about the tour required to organize, manage, and execute
Shuttle - pickup service or vehicle that a smooth and efficient tour. These
services guests from their place to their documents help ensure legal compliance,
destination proper coordination, and the safety of both
tourists and guides.
Field operation - The actual delivery of
services---the tour, the pickup and drop-off, A. VEHICLE RESERVATION/VEHICLE
the meals, etc. ASSIGNMENT SHEET
➢ is a document used in tour guiding and
The field operations supervisor is the travel management to records and
overall coordinator of all activities. organizes vehicle bookings for tourists,
ensuring the correct transportation is
A great tour is delivered when the tourists assigned to the right group.
do not have to wait in line for entrance ➢ This sheet helps minimize confusion and
tickets. ensures smooth logistics throughout the
tour.
Military time, also known as the 24-hour B. TOUR GUIDE'S ASSIGNMENT SHEET
clock, is a time-keeping system where the ➢ is a document that outlines the
day runs from 0000 (midnight) to 2359 (one responsibilities and tasks of the tour guide
minute before midnight) without the need for for a specific tour, helping them stay
AM or PM designations. It is commonly organized, manage time effectively, and
used by the military, emergency services, ensure a smooth, well-coordinated
and in many parts of the world. experience for the tourists.
➢ This sheet helps the tour guide stay
Key Features of Military Time: organized, manage time effectively, and
✓ Four Digits: The first two digits ensure all logistics are covered for a
represent the hour, and the last two digits successful tour.
represent the minutes. C. TOUR COORDINATOR'S
✓ No AM or PM: Each hour has a unique ASSIGNMENT SHEET
designation, eliminating confusion. ➢ is a document used to outlines the
specific duties and responsibilities of the
coordinator for a particular tour.
➢ This sheet helps the tour coordinator stay ▪ Research guests’ backgrounds (age,
organized and manage all logistical aspects nationality, preferences).
smoothly, ensuring a successful and ▪ Personalize the experience based on
well-executed tour. cultural backgrounds and special needs.

OTHER TRAVEL AND TOUR 2. TOUR PROPER: This stage involves the
DOCUMENTS tasks that tour guides do from the time they
1. Tour Vouchers: Confirm tour details, meet their guests until they depart and head
accommodation, and transportation. Guide back home or for another destination.
reconfirms reservations on arrival.
2. Rooming List: Specifies room > Arrival Procedures:
assignments, check-in/check-out, and -​ Make a good first impression
special arrangements. (punctuality, warm welcome,
3. Confirmation Letters from Suppliers: professional appearance).
Includes supplier details and reservation -​ Meet guests at the designated
specifics. arrival area (airport, port, train, or
4. Passport: Essential for overseas travel, bus station).
entry/exit, hotel check-ins, and duty-free -​ Assist with travel documents,
shopping. luggage reminders, and money
5. Tour Guide’s Logbook & Luggage exchange tips.
Monitoring Sheets: Ensure smooth tour -​ Provide a brief orientation about the
coordination and luggage management. itinerary and next activities.
> During the Tour:
WEEK # 5 Engagement & Interaction:
En route - a French term that means “on -​ Share relevant facts, stories, and
the way” or “along the way”. insights about attractions.
Inclusions - events, items, and services -​ Use interactive techniques (ask
included in the tour package. questions, encourage group
participation).
FOUR STAGES OF TOUR GUIDING Time Management:
SERVICES -​ Follow the schedule while allowing
flexibility for unplanned activities.
1. PRE-TOUR STAGE:. This stage involves -​ Ensure adequate time for rest,
all the preparation and communication that meals, and exploration.
takes place before the tour begins. Managing Group Dynamics:
Tour Guide’s Responsibilities: -​ Address individual needs (e.g.,
> Study the Itinerary: mobility issues, dietary restrictions).
▪ Check if the schedule is accurate and -​ Keep the group together and ensure
updated. smooth tour flow.
▪ Inform the tour operator of any
discrepancies (e.g., closed attractions, Departure Procedure:
roadblocks).
> Know Your Guests: -​ Thank the tourists for their
participation and patience.
 -​ Acknowledge any unforeseen 4. POST TOUR: This is the stage when all
circumstances that may have tour events have to be documented.
occurred.
-​ Allow guests to relax and rest as Key elements include:
energy levels decline. 1. Feedback Collection: Gathering guest
-​ Tour guide can take this time to rest feedback to identify areas for improvement.
their voice as well. 2. Handling Complaints: Addressing any
issues raised to ensure satisfaction.
3. COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT: is the 3. Thank You and Follow-Up: Sending
process of handling and resolving customer appreciation messages to guests and
dissatisfaction during or after a tour. It is encouraging future bookings.
crucial for maintaining positive client 4. Evaluation and Analysis: Reviewing the
relationships and improving service quality. tour’s performance for continuous
improvement.
Key elements include: 5. Promotions and Loyalty Building:
1. Listening: Actively understanding the Offering deals or loyalty programs to
customer's concerns through direct encourage repeat customers.
communication or feedback.
2. Acknowledging: Recognizing the
complaint to defuse frustration.
3. Investigating: Identifying the root cause
by gathering information from all involved
parties.
4. Offering a Resolution: Providing
solutions like apologies, compensation, or
corrective actions.
5. Follow-Up: Ensuring the customer is
satisfied with the resolution.
6. Documentation: Recording complaints
and resolutions to track patterns and
improve service.
7. Continuous Improvement: Using
complaints to identify trends and make
improvements in services and protocols.

5 Primary Reasons Why Guests Get

Complaints and Stress During a Tour:
1. Poor Communication
2. Unmet Expectations
3. Delays and Scheduling Issues
4. Uncomfortable Conditions
5. Unprofessional or Inexperienced Guides