Tourism and Amusement Services Workers

Nature of work

Tour guides escort individuals and groups on short trips and sightseeing tours of cities, historical sites, famous buildings, manufacturing plants, cathedrals and theme parks. They also provide descriptions and background information on interesting features. Travel guides escort individuals and tour groups on business and vacation trips, often acting as tour guides, as well as planning recreational activities and taking care of problems with itineraries, service, or accommodations. Tour and travel guides are employed by tour operators, resorts and other establishments or may be self-employed.

Outdoor sport and recreational guides organize and conduct trips or expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists and resort guests. They are employed by private companies and resorts or may be self-employed.

Casino workers operate gaming tables, assist patrons using slot machines, accept keno wagers, pay out winning bets and jackpots and collect losing bets. They are employed by casinos.

Job duties

Tour guides perform some or all of the following duties:

• Transport or escort individuals or groups on tours of cities, waterways and industrial and other establishments.
• Describe points of interest, answer questions and supply information.
• Provide historical and cultural facts related to the site.
• May collect admission fees and sell souvenirs.

Travel guides perform some or all of the following duties:

• Escort individuals and groups on vacation and business trips.
• Ensure 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.
• Resolve problems with itineraries, service and accommodations.
• Assemble and inspect necessary equipment and supplies, such as camping gear, rafts, life jackets, fishing tackle and food.
• Lead or escort individuals or groups and advise on safety and emergency measures, techniques and the use of equipment.
• Provide instruction for activities such as canoeing, rafting and mountain climbing.
• Advise on specific regulations such as hunting and fishing laws and boating regulations, follow environmental guidelines and prevent violations.
• Provide first aid in emergency situations.

Casino workers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate gaming tables and games such as roulette, blackjack, keno, baccarat and poker.
• Explain rules of games to patrons and ensure that rules are followed.
• Accept keno wagers and issue computerized tickets for selection.
• Determine winners or announce winning numbers.
• Calculate and pay out winning bets and jackpots, collect losing bets and maintain related reports.
• Fill slot machines with coins and assist patrons experiencing difficulties with machines.
• Perform minor adjustments to slot machines.

Sample job titles

• casino dealer
• gaming table dealer
• horseback riding guide
• hunting and fishing guide
• mountain guide
• outdoor guide
• sightseeing guide
• ski resort host/hostess
• tour guide
• travel guide

Skills

For tour, travel and outdoor sport and recreational guides 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. Outdoor sport and recreational guides should also have a thorough understanding of safety requirements, environmental guidelines, and provincial regulations concerning hunting, fishing, and boating. Physical fitness and stamina are required for many outdoor sport and recreational activities. Casino workers require good vision and hearing. Manual dexterity is needed to operate gambling tables and games with cards. You will need to be methodical and comfortable with simple calculations in order to ensure that all patrons are aware of and follow the rules, and to determine winners, collect bets, pay winners, and keep reports. Good communication skills are required to explain rules and ensure that patrons follow them, as well as to resolve complaints.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school is usually required for some jobs within this grouping.
• On-the-job training is provided for many jobs within this grouping.
• Knowledge of both official languages and/or an additional language may be required for some positions in this group.
• Knowledge of a particular terrain, demonstrated ability in the guided activity and relevant licences are required for employment in this group.
• Hot air balloon pilots require completion of 10 hours of ground school, 16 hours of pilot-in-command experience and a Balloon Pilot Licence issued by Transport Canada.
• Certification in first aid and CPR may be required.
• Security clearance is required for all casino workers.
• Casino gaming licences are usually required for all casino employees.

Other considerations

Because many of these jobs are heavily influenced by tourism activity in Nova Scotia, employment levels tend to vary throughout the year and peak in the summer months. Also, general economic conditions will have an impact on the level of business and pleasure travel undertaken by Nova Scotians. Therefore, employment levels will vary from year to year in many of these jobs.

Most people in this group are either self-employed or work for a small to medium-sized business.

Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience in all activities related to gaming.

Regulations

Contacts

CAMP COUNSELLOR

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CAMP LEADER

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