Tour Manager

Tour managers accompany groups of tourists on holidays in the UK or abroad. They make sure all the arrangements run smoothly, cope with any problems, and provide geographical, historical and general sightseeing information. Most of the work is on coach or minibus tours, but sometimes the itinerary includes travel by plane, train, river boat, ferry or cruise ship.

The job usually involves:

• joining the party at the start of their journey
• welcoming the party, checking their tickets and explaining details of the travel arrangements
• giving a commentary during the journey with information about places of interest, history, local life and culture
• checking and confirming arrangements, helping with any problems and keeping records.

Tour managers are responsible for their party from the time the tour begins until it has ended. Hours are likely to be long and irregular, and can involve being away from home for days or weeks. Tour managers work both indoors and outdoors.

Salaries range from around £16,000 to £28,000 a year for tour managers who work all year round. Tour managers are independent contractors and companies usually pay a daily rate, which varies widely depending on the size, type and location of the tour. Board and lodgings during the tour are usually provided.

A tour manager should:

• have a pleasant and friendly manner
• have excellent communication skills
• be self-confident and outgoing, with a smart appearance
• be interested in working with many different types of people.

Tour managers usually work for tour operators, which range from large international companies to small firms offering special interest trips. There are also opportunities with coach companies involved in domestic or overseas tourism.

There are no formal entry requirements. Most tour operators are more interested in strong people skills than in formal qualifications, although they may ask for some GCSEs (A*-C). Qualifications relating to travel and tourism are available at all levels.

Some tour operators prefer applicants with a degree, especially for tours that require thorough knowledge of a subject, such as history of art, music or history.

It is usual to start by gaining experience in other roles in travel and tourism. People management skills are particularly valued, as is experience of independent travel.

Active tour managers who are members of the International Association of Tour Managers (IATM) can sit the Certificate of Tour Management (CTM) exam to become IATM certified tour managers.

Tour managers can become supervisors or managers with tour operators. Some become tourist guides or move into related fields, such as hotel or resort management.

Further details