Tour and Travel Guides
(NOC 6531)
in All Sales and ServiceTour and travel guides accompany individuals and groups on trips, on sightseeing tours of cities and on tours of historical sites and places like famous buildings, manufacturing plants, cathedrals and theme parks. They also provide descriptions and background information on interesting features. They work for tour operators, resorts and other businesses or may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Tour and Travel Guides may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
Hourly Pay
$13.35
Minimum$15.00
Median$21.78
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,012
Minimum$6,037
Median$15,709
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.00
Median$25.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Tour and travel guides accompany individuals and groups on trips, on sightseeing tours of cities and on tours of historical sites and places like famous buildings, manufacturing plants, cathedrals and theme parks. They also provide descriptions and background information on interesting features. They work for tour operators, resorts and other businesses or may be self-employed.
Job duties
Tour guides:
- Accompany individuals or groups on tours of cities, waterways and industrial and other organizations.
- Describe points of interest, answer questions and provide information.
- Give historical and cultural facts related to the site.
- May collect admission fees and sell souvenirs.
Travel guides:
- Accompany individuals and groups on vacation and business trips.
- Make sure that reservations for transportation and accommodations are confirmed and that prepared itineraries are met.
- Visit and describe points of interest and plan and carry out recreational activities.
- Solve problems with itineraries, service and accommodations.
Sample job titles
- bicycle tour guide
- boat tour guide
- bus tour guide
- horse-drawn vehicle sightseeing tour guide
- industrial site interpreter
- local tour guide
- mine guide
- sightseeing guide
- tour director
- tour guide
Skills
- You should be poised, organized, tactful, and patient. Interpersonal skills and the ability to deal comfortably with strangers are important. You should be resourceful and able to handle the unexpected. Knowledge of the travel business or the specific areas of tourism in which you work will be required. Good communication skills are also necessary. Knowledge of both official languages and/or an additional language is an asset and may be required.
Job requirements
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Knowledge of both official languages or an additional language may be required for some positions in this group.
Other considerations
- Many of these jobs are heavily influenced by tourism activity in Nova Scotia, so employment levels tend to vary from year to year and throughout the year. Most people in this group are either self-employed or work for a small to medium-sized business.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$7,744 median annual incomeCape Breton
$6,279 median annual incomeNorth Shore
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Public administration
Manufacturing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
65+
55-64
45-54
25-34
35-44
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$6,637 median annual incomeBachelor
$6,892 median annual incomeLess than high school
$5,384 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile