Do you enjoy exploring new places and imparting your knowledge to others? You can make your hobby into a career as a tour guide and aid others in discovering new locations and cultures. But depending on your region and the kinds of tours you wish to give, you might need to get an IATA number and a guide license before you start conducting tours. We’ll address some frequently asked queries regarding becoming a certified tour guide in this article. How Can I Obtain an IATA Number?
Travel brokers and other industry experts can make reservations for flights and other travel-related services with airlines and other travel suppliers using an IATA number, which is a special identifying code. You must apply for an IATA number if you wish to work as a tour guide or travel agent. The steps are as follows:
1. Establish your qualification: You must fulfill a variety of requirements, such as having a registered business, a storefront, and a minimum annual sales volume, in order to be granted an IATA number. For information on the particular criteria in your nation or region, visit the IATA website.
2. Apply online: If you are qualified, you can submit an online application for an IATA number. An application form, accompanying documentation, and a fee—which varies based on your location and the services you provide—must be completed. 3. Await approval: Following the submission of your application, IATA will review it and get back to you with the results in a few weeks. If accepted, you’ll get your IATA number and access to the IATA portal, where you may make reservations for travel-related services including hotels, vehicle rentals, and flights. How Much Money Do European Tour Guides Make? The pay for a tour guide in Europe varies based on the nation, the business, the kind of excursions, and the guide’s expertise and credentials. According to Payscale, a tour guide’s annual pay in Europe is approximately €22,000, but this figure might vary from €15,000 to €36,000 depending on the aforementioned criteria. In addition to their normal pay, some tour guides may also receive commissions or tips. How Much Does a Guide for Museum Tours Make?
Docents, usually referred to as museum tour guides, may work for galleries, historical sites, museums, or other cultural organizations. A museum tour guide’s annual compensation in the United States can range from $19,000 to $43,000, according to Glassdoor, depending on the region, the type of museum, and the guide’s expertise and credentials. Some museum tour guides could also work sporadic or part-time shifts.
In 2019, the UK tourist industry employed about 35,600 tour guides and directors, according to a report by VisitBritain. This covers both full- and part-time guides, as well as guides that are employed and self-employed. The report also mentions that more tour guides would be needed in the upcoming years, particularly outside of London.
How Do I Obtain My Singapore Guide License? You must successfully finish a training program and an exam provided by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in order to obtain a license as a tour guide in Singapore. The steps are as follows:
1. Select a course: STB provides a number of courses for various trip categories, including city tours, history tours, and nature tours. Pick a course based on your qualifications and interests. 2. Enroll in the course: The course consists of lectures, field trips, and exams. Along with communication, customer service, and safety techniques, you’ll study about Singapore’s history, culture, tourist attractions, and travel and hospitality sector. 3. Pass the exam: To get your license, you must pass a written and an oral exam after finishing the course. The exam evaluates your knowledge, abilities, and attitude as a tour guide and covers the subjects covered in the course.
In conclusion, obtaining a tour guide certification, knowledge, and commitment is necessary. You must acquire the required licenses and certifications, such as an IATA number, a guide license, or a tour guide certificate, if you want to operate as a travel agent, museum docent, or city guide. You can embark on a fulfilling career in travel and hospitality by taking the steps described in this article.
A tourist guide is a specialist who offers assistance, knowledge, and interpretation of cultural, historical, and modern heritage to people on guided tours, individually, in educational settings, at historic and religious sites, in museums, and at other places of interest. They aid visitors with navigating a location and comprehending its local customs, language, history, geography, and tourist attractions.