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Guide, Travel Guide
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
Duties and responsibilities vary but, in general, tour directors:
Tour directors who work on a freelance basis also may:
For information about other related guides, see the Related Occupational Profiles section.
Tour directors often are on their feet for most of the day, pointing out spots of interest and answering questions. While on tour, they work long hours that include evenings and weekends. They are on call 24 hours a day during a tour. The work often is seasonal.
Tour directors may lift suitcases weighing up to 20 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in speaking to sightseers when visiting and describing points of interest
Interest in copying information to confirm reservations for transportation and accommodations, and to meet prepared itineraries
Interest in planning and carrying out recreational activities; and in resolving problems with itineraries, service and accommodations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Tour directors need:
They should enjoy meeting and talking to people, travelling and taking care of travel arrangements, and resolving problems.
Tour directors should have no personal commitments that interfere with frequent travel.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 53 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 02, 2022 and Sep 09, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tours Focus: Sightseeing | 37 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Describe points of interest | 36 |
| Experience: Will train | 32 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate recreation activities | 32 |
| Tasks: Confirm transportation and accommodation reservations | 31 |
| Tours Focus: Walking tours | 30 |
| Walking | 29 |
| Tasks: Attend to hotel, airport, train and other check-in and check-out procedures | 29 |
| Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs | 28 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 28 |
There are no standard minimum educational requirements for tour directors. They may be trained on the job or have related post-secondary education. However, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have post-secondary education or years of related experience. First aid and CPR training is recommended.
Tour directors need some knowledge of the travel industry (such as air travel routines and customs regulations) and the cultures of the regions they visit. They should also be at least 21 years of age so they can accompany groups on night club tours. Experience working with the public and an ability to speak a second language are definite assets.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Tourism HR Canada offers voluntary emerit Tour Guide certification. Recognized across Canada, it leads to the Tourism Certified Professional (TCP) designation. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Some tour directors are employed by tour or travel companies on a temporary basis, usually from March to October and December to March. Those employed full time may assist in a travel office when not on tour. Some tour directors are self-employed and some volunteer their services in return for free trips.
Tour directors may advance to supervisory positions after several years of experience. However, advancement opportunities generally are limited. Experienced tour directors may transition to positions within reservations, operations or sales departments of tour operator organizations.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 6531: Tour and travel guides occupational group, 83.3% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6531: Tour and travel guides occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 4 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Self-employed tour directors are paid a daily rate by the tour company. Tips from satisfied tour members may add considerably to tour directors’ incomes.
Tour directors are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 6531: Tour and travel guides.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Tour and travel guides occupational group earned on average from $16.58 to $21.40 an hour. The overall average was $18.52 an hour. For more information, see the Tour and travel guides wage profile.
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: www.culturalhrc.ca
emerit website: emerit.ca
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
