High School
A high school diploma is the minimum requirement to be a tour guide. Courses such as speech, communications, art, sociology, anthropology, political science, social studies, and literature often prove beneficial. Some tour guides study foreign languages and cultures as well as geography, history, and architecture.
Postsecondary Training
Some cities have professional schools that offer curricula in the travel industry. Such training may take nine to 12 months and offer job placement services. Some two- and four-year colleges offer tour guide training that lasts six to eight weeks. Community colleges may offer programs in tour escort training. Programs such as these often may be taken on a part-time basis. Classes may include history, world geography, psychology, human relations, and communication courses. Sometimes students go on field trips themselves to gain experience. Some travel agencies and tour companies offer their own training so that their tour guides may receive instruction that complements the tour packages the company offers.
Other Education or Training
The National Tour Association offers webinars, networking events, and seminars at its annual conference to help members stay up to date with industry trends.
- Adventure Travel Specialists
- Amusement Park Workers
- Anthropologists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Artists
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Book Conservators
- Campaign Workers
- Caterers
- Conservators and Conservation Technicians
- Cruise Ship Workers
- Education Directors and Museum Teachers
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Ethnoscientists
- Event Planners
- Exhibit Designers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Flight Attendants
- Fund-Raisers
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Gaming Occupations
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historians
- Historic Preservationists
- Hosts/Hostesses
- Inbound Tour Guides
- Lifeguards and Swimming Instructors
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- Music Venue Owners and Managers
- National Park Service Employees
- Park Rangers
- Parking Attendants
- Pilots
- Recreation Workers
- Reservation and Ticket Agents
- Resort Workers
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers
- Ship's Captains
- Ski Resort Workers
- Spa Attendants
- Spa Managers
- Space Tourism Managers
- Sports Facility Managers
- Sports Instructors and Coaches
- Stadium Ushers and Vendors
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Swimming Pool Designers
- Taxidermists
- Travel Agents
- Wedding and Party Consultants
- Yoga and Pilates Instructors
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists