A tour operator is in charge of organizing and leading tours for travelers who want to be guided an expert to interesting locations. She usually gives verbal descriptions of sites and landmarks while another person drives the tourists around in the vehicle. The most common mode of transportation is a bus, but tours can also be taken plane, boat, train, minibus, car, or on foot.
A tour operator may operate independently and offer expeditions tailored to specific interests, such as a specific industry, hobby, or landscape type. Trips to garment districts, historic districts, and animal sanctuaries are common examples of these specialized tours. This type of tour operator is frequently an expert in these areas of interest, and those with specific interests seek them out.
If the tour guide works for a large corporation, she may have a team of people who assist her with the tours or with marketing and booking. She is frequently in charge of training and supervising this group. If the company is small, she may be in charge of all day-to-day operations.
During her presentation of the tour’s highlights, the guide is frequently questioned as the expedition’s leader. A tour operator usually travels to the sites on the expedition route before leading others there, because the questions asked are often diverse and unique. She usually does some research on the local amenities and learns as much as she can about the tour’s destinations. This information enhances the excursion’s enjoyment and, in many cases, increases the tour’s popularity and revenue. This training may be provided if she works for a large tour company.
A tour guide, in addition to leading excursions, frequently collaborates with travel agencies, resorts, and hotels to distribute brochures, discount coupons, and flyers to attract visitors. This offer may be included in comprehensive packages sold prior to the outing or on the day of the outing. She frequently collaborates with a select group of tourist destination businesses to create package deals that benefit multiple businesses at the same time.
A tour operator is frequently called upon to assist tourists in a variety of capacities, in addition to dispensing information on points of interest. She may be able to assist them with passports or immigration papers, wheelchairs or other ambulatory aids, or communications with local merchants. The tour operator is usually entrusted with contacting appropriate medical or support personnel in the event of an emergency.
For a tour operator, keeping accurate records is crucial. She should have contact information for everyone on the tour in case of an emergency. She is expected to be aware of any medical needs of her customers if the tour requires travel to remote areas. Contact information is frequently used for future promotions as well as to obtain customer satisfaction feedback.
This position does not necessitate any formal education. A friendly demeanor and strong communication skills are advantages, as is a desire to educate people about topics in which they have expressed interest. Prior to being promoted to operator status, a tour operator usually works as an assistant.