Tourism and Amusement Services Workers
(NOC 6531, 6532, 6533)
in All Sales and ServiceTour 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 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. 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. Tourism and Amusement Services Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 26% of Tourism and Amusement Services Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $34,267. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$13.00
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,388
Minimum$13,000
Median$47,265
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
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.
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
Cape Breton
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Transportation and Warehousing
Fishing
Accommodation and Food Services
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
15-24
45-54
65+
35-44
25-34
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$14,039 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$14,004 median annual incomeLess than high school
$14,740 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$18,118 median annual incomeTrades certificate
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Canadian studies
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of Canada and its pre-Columbian, colonial, and pre-Confederation predecessors, including immigrant flows and related borderlands and island groups.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Practice: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.