Element 1: Seek information on the hospitality industry
© ASEAN 2012 Trainee Manual Maintain hospitality
industry knowledge 29 Zoos Natural attractions where man-made facilities have been built to cater for visitors. People visiting tourist attractions often use the services of local hospitality establishments
– for food, drinks and accommodation. Tours to tourist attractions maybe integrated into some other events
– such as a package deal offered by an accommodation establishment. Staff at tourist attractions can include onsite guides,
catering staff, receptionists, maintenance crews, cleaning and gardening staff and personnel required for site-specific activities (such as feeding and caring for animals, specialist demonstrators for displays and onsite activities.
Tour operators Tour operators liaise with other businesses (such
as hotels, tourist attractions, hire car companies) to develop packages which they sell to the public. The elements of a tour are called inclusions. A tour can take a number of hours, half-a-day, a full-day,
multiple days, weeks, sometimes even months, depending on the tour itinerary. Hotels and other accommodation venues usually sell rooms at lower rates to tour operators because tour operators commonly buy in volume, and generally represent a recurring source of revenue.
Tour guides There are different types of tour guides including
On-site/attractions guides
– who guide visitors around sites and attractions providing commentary along the way, supervising and facilitating interaction with games/activities and generally assisting visitors to optimise their experience
with the venue Driver guides – who drive vehicles taking visitors on tours, to destinations they also provide commentary, arrange entertainment on the trip, and maybe responsible for cooking meals Specialised guides
– for action and adventure tours where the guides have detailed knowledge about (for example)
local flora and fauna, dangers and hazards, local customs, rules and requirements Business and industry guides
– who specialise in conducting shopping trips, or connecting visiting people with local businesses. The role of a tour guide is very diverse and they are expected to discharge numerous
roles such as Pathfinder – to show the way on the tour Mentor
– to educate and provide information regarding the tour and its attractions and elements/inclusions
Element 1: Seek information on the hospitality industry
30
© ASEAN 2012 Trainee Manual Maintain hospitality industry knowledge Host
– to accompany tour group members and facilitate social interaction between tour group members Escort
– to protect and ensure safety of those in the group and
their belongings Entertainer – to optimise enjoyment and interest in some cases they provide the entertainment Problem solver
– to resolve issues arising within the tour group and within the tour itself these can include issues associated with vehicle breakdown, personal illness amongst tour group members, weather and other difficulties Interpreter
–
to interpret the activities, site and tour and promote cultural awareness they may also act as a language interpreter Assistant
– to help, encourage and motivate tour group members with whatever is required Public relations
– to enhance the reputation and image of the site/employer Administrator
– to keep records and monitor groups and activities. Tour guides are often referred to as the mortar that binds the tour together.
Share with your friends: