Tour Manager  

As a tour manager, you'll need to:

• accompany groups travelling by coach, or in some cases by car, boat, train or plane
• welcome groups of holidaymakers at their starting point and announce details of travel arrangements and stop-over points
• check tickets and other relevant documents, seat allocations and any special requirements
• help with passport and immigration issues
• assist holidaymakers with check-in and settle them into their accommodation
• communicate a range of information on itineraries, destinations and culture
• inform passengers of arrival and departure times at each destination on the itinerary and ensure that all members of the group are back on the coach before departing from each stop
• develop a specialist area of knowledge
• use professional knowledge to answer questions from holidaymakers and to fulfil their expectations of the tour
• make sure all travel arrangements run according to plan and that accommodation, meals and service are satisfactory
• organise entry to attractions and transport, such as car hire
• ensure that the tour is running smoothly for individual members of the group
• respond to questions and offer help with any problems that arise, ranging from simple matters, such as directing a member of the group to the nearest chemist, to more serious issues, such as tracing lost baggage
• deal with emergencies, such as helping a holidaymaker who is ill or those needing to contact family members urgently
• make contact in advance with places to stay or visit to check details and arrangements
• liaise with hotels, coach companies, restaurants and other clients
• advise about facilities, such as sights, restaurants and shops, at each destination
• occasionally make accommodation bookings on proposed dates
• organise and attend tourism events, conferences, workshops, seminars and exhibitions
• write reports and maintain records
• provide feedback after a tour as part of a debrief session.

You'll need to have:

• a pleasant, outgoing and friendly manner with excellent people and verbal communication skills
• the ability to get on well with people of all ages and backgrounds
• a supportive, tactful and approachable manner
• good listening and questioning skills
• excellent planning and organisational skills
• self-confidence and the ability to inspire confidence in others
• good health and physical fitness in order to cope with the demands of the job and the long working hours
• the capacity to make decisions quickly and change arrangements as required
• the ability to work well under pressure and cope with emergencies
• independence
• a flexible approach to work
• energy, stamina and the enthusiasm to cope with different people's needs and demands over long, often irregular, working hours
• health and safety awareness
• an interest in geography and historical sites.
• A first aid qualification is also useful.