All About Tour Guides and Escorts
Example of Tour Guide or Escort Job Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
Tour Guide or Escort Responsibilities
- Collect fees and tickets from group members.
- Distribute brochures, show audiovisual presentations, and explain establishment processes and operations at tour sites.
- Assemble and check the required supplies and equipment prior to departure.
- Select travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas.
- Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.
- Teach skills, such as proper climbing methods, and demonstrate and advise on the use of equipment.
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Things a Tour Guide or Escort Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Tour Guides and Escorts say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Related Job Titles
- Hunter Guide
- Mountain Guide
- Docent
- Adventure Guide
- Student Ambassador
Job Demand for Tour Guides and Escorts
There were about 45,800 jobs for Tour Guide or Escort in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,800 new jobs for Tour Guide or Escort by 2026. There will be an estimated 8,700 positions for Tour Guide or Escort per year.

The states with the most job growth for Tour Guide or Escort are Utah, Florida, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, North Dakota, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What Tools do Tour Guides and Escorts Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Tour Guides and Escorts:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- SmugMug Flickr
- Global positioning system GPS software
How do I Become a Tour Guide or Escort?
Are there Tour Guides and Escorts education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Tour Guide or Escort?

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Tour Guide or Escort might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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