Tour Guides

In the coming years, there will be a strong need for tour guides because of the many different travel opportunities for business, recreation, and education. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for tour and travel guides will grow by 9 percent from 2023 through 2033. This is much faster than the average for all careers. Tours designed for special interests, such as to ecologically significant areas and wilderness destinations, continue to grow in popularity. Certain seasons are more popular for travel than others, but well-trained tour guides can keep busy all year long.

Inbound tourism will also be on the upswing within the next few years. Many foreign travelers view the United States as a dream destination, with tourist spots such as New York City, Disney World, and our National Park System drawing millions of foreign visitors each year. Job opportunities in inbound tourism will likely be more plentiful than those guiding Americans in foreign locations. The best opportunities in inbound tourism are in large cities with international airports and in areas with a large amount of tourist traffic. Opportunities will also be better for those guides who speak foreign languages.

Aspiring tour guides should keep in mind that this field is highly competitive. Tour guide jobs, because of the obvious benefits, are highly sought after, and the beginning job seeker may find it difficult to break into the business. It is important to remember that the travel and tourism industry is affected by the overall economy. When the economy is depressed, people have less money to spend and, therefore, they travel less. The threat of terrorist attacks or civil unrest also adversely affect the travel and tourism industry. If the public perceives that travel is risky, they will travel less and, as a result, tour guides may see reduced employment opportunities. Tour guides with voluntary certification, knowledge of foreign languages, and travel experience will have the advantage in the job market.