Tourist Guide Current Vacancies

2008-06-03:

Tourist guides escort visitors around cities, historic buildings, gardens, religious sites, museums and other places of interest. including history, purpose, architecture, furniture, paintings, flora and fauna.
Others accompany groups on day tours to interesting places or sites, for example sightseeing tours, tours for specialist interest Driver guides drive small groups in cars or minibuses.

Hours vary depending on the job. Seasonal work is common; part time work is possible. during the tourist season.
Guides in historic buildings may work regular hours.
Others work variable hours. Evening and weekend work is common trains and boats.

Most tourist guides are self-employed, working for tour operators or coach firms.
English Heritage and other owners of visitor attractions and historic properties also employ guides, often on a seasonal basis, although many guides eg those in churches and cathedrals, are voluntary.

Guides often only work during the summer, or work part-time as guides alongside another career.
Many people enter tourist guiding as a second career, coming from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Experienced guides may work for tour operators as tour managers. Most tourist guides are self-employed and charge fees.
The Association of Professional Tourist Guides and the Scottish Tourist Guides Association websites have details of recommended fees for qualified guides. (Permalink)