Tour Director Certification

A Tour Director is also called a Tour Manager and, in some parts of the world, an Escort or Courier. Tour Operators hire Tour Managers (or Tour Directors) whose responsibilities are varied and comprehensive. Tour Directors travel with the group that has been organized by the Tour Operator. They stay at the same hotels, eat the same meals, go on the optional excursions, etc. They are responsible for the daily activities and to ensure that what the passengers have paid for happens in a manner that is acceptable to the passengers and that the passengers have the “vacation of a lifetime.” 

This course is intended for you if you are seeking certification as a Tour Director or Tour Manager. People working as Tour Directors within the USA or other countries travel from city to city, state to state, country to country, with responsibilities for the smooth flow of a multi-day tour. Assignments can include motor coach travel, cruise ship travel, and trains. 

What will you learn? 

The beginning modules in this certification program include Travel Industry Terminology, a look behind the scenes as to how tours are put together and marketed by Tour Operators, Industry Trends, Profile of a Tour Manager/Director, and your Pre-tour Departure Preparations. After this foundation, your program covers: 

• Public Speaking, 
• Airline and Airport Procedures, 
• Baggage Handling and Control, 
• Client Welcome preparation, content and delivery, 
• Hotel Arrivals and Departures, 
• Motor coach Commentary, 
• Cultural Practices, 
• Being Environmentally Aware on Tour, 
• How to Research, 
• Leisure Days on Tour, 
• City Tours (working with the Local Tour Guide or doing it yourself), 
• Motor coach Travel, 
• Destination Itinerary Planning, 
• Discussion with a Motor coach Driver and Teamwork, 
• Optional Excursions (what they are, how to present them, operate them and money handling), 
• when available a Tour Operator speaks with the class, 
• Group Psychology, 
• Passenger Emergencies, 
• Industry Networking, 
• preparing your resume, 
• telephone interview techniques 
• as well as Hiring Companies and their practices are identified.

All graduates receive a book specially prepared for that specific class which covers Getting Hired, over 150 specific Tour Operators that are looking to hire IGA graduates plus Cruise Lines contact information. Throughout the program the participants are video recorded with copies to each student, role-playing, actual motor coach travel is included, and more.  

With IGA you learn by doing.