Hiring Tour Guides for Alaska, New York and Miami!

Many of us in Southern California will be spending our New Year's assisting groups attending the beautiful Rose Parade and or Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena.  Tour operators bring in groups and alumni from around the country.  The events offer opportunities for experienced and new Tour Directors and Guides.  Many of my past students started their careers working the Rose Bowl Program. It's always fun reconnecting with friends we may only see once a year. Christmas is over so now is the time to start contacting the tour operators for Tour Director/Tour Manager position in 2014.  Most are starting their hiring process.  Interviews normally are conducted January through early March.  The tour operators have their staff meetings and training in March and April with their busiest season starting in May.  This is also a good time to connect with Student Tour operators.  Their busiest season is in the spring when schools have their class trips, band trips to Disneyland and Disneyworld and graduation trips.   Assignments range from a couple days to weeks in Europe.  It's also a good way to start getting experience.  Liz Moran covers Student Tours in detail in the "Tour Director Training Guide" including how to find tour operators and hiring in Lesson 2.  Local tour operations with a busy summer season normally start their Tour Guide hiring in the spring.  This is Florida's busy season, I've posted a local tour position in Miami below.  The hourly rate is low but the tips and experience should make it worthwhile.    Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! Cherie
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Coordinator, Guided Tours and Group Sales
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. - New York, NY Reporting to the Manager, Visitor Services, the Tour and Group Sales Coordinator is responsible for all administrative aspects connected to the Lincoln Center Guided Tour Program and Groups Sales. Tour Related:  Book, invoice and maintain master schedule for group tour bookings via email and phone Maintain relationships with tour operators and travel partners Coordinate and assist in dispatch of pre-booked group and walk-up tours Assist with the Guided Tour Program budget (including quarterly revenue and expense projections and analysis) Support marketing initiatives that expand Tour takers Identify and report on tour trends Assist with collecting qualitative and quantitative Tour metrics via surveys Support Manager, Visitor Services with overseeing approximately 35 paid, union-represented Tour Guides as well as administer policies and practices in accordance with collective bargaining agreement; includes training, disciplinary records, updating manuals, etc. Schedule guides and venues on a weekly basis Cultivate relationships with Lincoln Center venue management to ensure Tour venue access. Group Sales Related:  Research, develop and implement group ticket sales packages, including sales calls, order processing, customer relations and promotional opportunities to group markets Solicit and identify new target interest groups for Lincoln Center programs Monitor and evaluate group ticket sales and revenues Prepare, administer and monitor group sales contracts; evaluate group sales revenues against established goals Coordinate the production of sales-related materials and manage the distribution of materials to customers Maintain sales database to support and facilitate sales monitoring and management Serve as group sales liaison to the Lincoln Center box office Other Duties:  Staff occasional performances at the David Rubenstein Atrium, maintaining a safe capacity and high standard of customer care Staff performances at various Lincoln Center and offsite venues to assist with customer care Contribute to VS efforts to improve visitor experience Assist with supervision of interns Other duties as assigned  http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=ff34c94cbc03bcb8&from=tellafriend&utm_source=jobseeker_emails&utm_medium=email&cd%20-=tell_a_friend
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Tour Guide
Miami Open City Tour is hiring tour guides for their double decker sightseeing tour. This is a full time position that is available immediately. Tour guides must be able to engage guest in a fun and energetic way. Have a sense of humor, and enjoy people's company. You will need to be comfortable with speaking for extended periods of time. Overall Responsibilities: - Have a good general knowledge of Miami and its history - Good public speaking skills - Willing to work weekends and holidays (our busiest time!) - Acting experience a plus. - Ability to stand for extended periods at a time. - Must speak English, foreign languages a plus http://www.barefootstudent.com/miami/jobs/full_time/tour_guide_148013?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed
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Multiple Positions on Summer Season Trains!
HAP Alaska Yukon Rail Operations Anchorage, AK 12/20/2013 JOB DESCRIPTION Alaska Experts Wanted! HAP Alaska Yukon Rail Operations is now hiring Tour Guides, Bartenders, Cooks, Dishwashers and Food Servers to work aboard our exclusive train cars for the summer season. We are looking for committed, professional, hard-working, enthusiastic applicants with strong customer service skills and food and beverage experience. We offer competitve wages and overtime. Interested candidates should apply online at www.alaskatourjobs.com .
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Driver/Guide in Alaska
Holland America Line & Princess Cruises - Bellingham, WA Spend your summer experiencing Alaska! What will your next adventure be? Come work and play in Alaska! Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are currently seeking outgoing, motivated individuals ready to put their customer service skills to the test in Alaska! Come experience Alaska as you showcase our great state as a Driver Guide! We offer paid CDL training, competitive wages, potential overtime, bonuses, discounted travel and tours, a fun team-oriented workplace and much much more. This is a great opportunity to get into one of the largest Tourism Operators in Alaska so apply today and start your journey! Job Requirements: Ability to safely drive a motorcoach while speaking to passengers, answering questions and providing narration, while working in a team or group environment. Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and written, with customers, employees and management. One year of experience in positions involving customer service. Current, valid CDL is required (may be obtained through a paid Company training course in Alaska; Bellingham, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Rexburg, Idaho; Provo, Utah and Phoenix, Arizona.) Minimum age of 21 is required. Must be certified as physically qualified through a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen. The Alaska season runs from May thru September. Apply today at www.alaskatourjobs.com and don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
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Fast Track Classroom Training for Tour Directors, Travel Staff, Tour Guides and Cruise Hosts 

When:  January 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2014 *

Time:  9 AM to 5 PM

Where:  Laguna Hills in beautiful South Orange County, California

Question?  Contact Cherie at:  cherie@tourtraining.com or call 949-830-8603 PST

*The hotel offers discounted rates for AAA Members, Federal Employees, seniors and more.  

Enrollment:  $545.00

$85.00 Non-Refundable Deposit

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=F9E56LZZ65P7E

Payment in full.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=68VME98F27BG8

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Full Newsletter:  http://archive.aweber.com/tourtraining/BeSJn/h/Hiring_for_2014_.htm

Video Series - Travel Careers on Land and Sea  TourTraining.tv         

Hiring Tour Guides in Zion - TSA PreCheck - Christmas Tours - Tour Guide Training 2014

First I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!  I hope your holidays are full of love and fun.  I'll be spending it with my family for which I am grateful.  My mom's Christmas request was always to have me home for Christmas.  I loved being home but I also love travel.  December means leading tours below the equator...the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, South America and where ever December means summer.   Tough to give up! If you're leading a tour this holiday season it's fun to take along a few items to help your group celebrate with a 'taste of home'.  I like taking Christmas cards and small boxes of candy, like the little Sampler boxes.  It's also fun to take the light cardboard cut-outs to decorate the motor coach and or dining room.  They pack easily in the bottom of my suitcase.  It's simple and the tour members are always thankful and grateful for the small personal reminders of the holiday. The good news for travel continues.  According to the UNWTO, United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism in the US and around the world continues to grow even more than anticipated.   They state, "...Last year a record 845 million worldwide in the first nine months increased by 5 % to almost 41 million more than in the same period, (over) international tourist arrivals in 2012." The US increased 11%.  Here's the link to the full article: http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ihg-rewards-club/ Here are a couple links you may find helpful if you're leading tours, a business traveler and or if you're a frequent traveler.  The following links are to articles which will give you suggestions and help in obtaining the TSA PreCheck Entry Application:   http://petergreenberg.com/2013/12/04/new-way-apply-for-tsa-precheck-live/ The second article compares it to the Global Entry: http://petergreenberg.com/2013/08/20/global-entry-vs-tsa-pre-check-which-is-worth-it/ You'll find postings below for a few guide positions.  The first couple are for Zion National Park. They're only hiring one or two new adventure guides so if interested apply ASAP.   The second tour operator, ATI, is looking for a Dutch and or Flemish speaking guide to lead US tours.    The 2014 Fast Track Classroom Training dates are set.  Enrollment is open for each date. When you enroll please email your contact information and the exact date you're interested in attending so I can hold your space.  If you any questions let me know.  Send the information to: cherie@tourtraining.com.  The 2014 dates are: Jan. 11-14 Mar. 1-4 April 24-27 June 19-22 Aug. 9-12. Share our newsletters with others in travel, looking for a new career in travel and or love travel too!  Wishing you all the very best! Cherie

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4X4 Tour Driver in Zion

Zion Adventure Company - Springdale, UT 4x4 Tour Driver  For 2014, we anticipate hiring 1-2 new staff for this position.  We are seeking gregarious, entertaining, and intellectually-strong historian and geologist type characters, who are savvy vehicle drivers with some off-road driving experience. This combination of diverse skills is used as you navigate our 2012 Mitsubishi Fuso 4wd vehicle on dirt roads, mesas and drainages of the southwest Zion Plateau, offering interpretation on flora, fauna, human history, and geology along the way.  Responsibilities:  Overland Tour Guide responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  o Driving courteously, avoiding risks which could harm passengers, vehicles, or the environment  o Facilitating meaningful, helpful, informative, and pleasant conversations with customers  o Offering knowledge, anecdotal stories, and interactive communication with clients on flora, fauna, geology, local history, and natural history during tour routes.  o Educating clients in the principles of Leave No Trace travel  o Solving problems with grace and efficiency  o Maintaining the tour vehicle for cleanliness, fueling, fluid checking, and communicating maintenance needs to the vehicle fleet manager  o Helping connect clients with other ZAC guided events, outfitting for the Narrows, or other Zion activities  o Building an impressive knowledge base of the recreation oppurtunities, roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding area on personal time  o Enhancing the Overland experience by further developing and improving the tours.  Full Posting:  http://www.getaplumjob.net/jobs/view/4x4-tour-driver-in-zion/ Application Deadline: January 25, 2014  Apply online: http://www.zionadventures.com/about/career-opportunities/job-application/

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Multi-sport Lead Guide in Zion

Zion Adventure Company - Springdale, UT Lead Guide For 2014, ZAC anticipates hiring 2-3 new staff members for this position. We would like one of our new guides to be skilled in the art of climbing and able to lead multi-pitch routes with clients, and also enjoy guiding lots of canyoneering, and some hiking and/or biking. Southwest Utah is a North American mecca of canyoneering, rock climbing, and mountain biking, and ZAC guides introduce these exciting sports to aspiring adventurers from all over the world. However, introducing new sports and terrain to clients is a minor part of any guided event.Relationship building is the primary responsibility of a ZAC guide. We focus on helping our clients develop strong relationships with: o their environment o our curriculum o objective and subjective risk o Zion Adventure Company's mission The first and most important quality we look for in our guide staff is a highly-developed sense of self-worth (self-esteem), embodied in a gregarious, loving, humble personality. Teaching ability and communication skills are the next most important qualities in a ZAC guide. We seek not just canyoneers, climbers, or bikers with long and impressive resumes, but rather impassioned teachers who love exploring the natural and human experiences of our desert environments. ZAC guides deliver trips in a way that helps clients: o Learn about themselves as humans, interacting with their fears, hopes, and passions o Learn how to solve problems as an authenticated explorer o Understand the value and poignancy of learning through experience o Take greater responsibility for themselves and the outcome of any given moment o See that the client, him or herself, is a defining character in the unfolding story of their life  Full Posting:  http://www.getaplumjob.net/jobs/view/multi-sport-lead-guide-in-zion/ Application Deadline: January 25, 2014 for positions starting March 3. .

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Dutch Speaking Tour Directors

Americantours International, LLC - Los Angeles, CA Work while traveling the USA! We seek enthusiastic Dutch or Flemish speaking Tour Directors to join AmericanTours International, LLC (ATI). ATI offers a large variety of motorcoach tours, including exclusive Dutch speaking tours. As a Tour Director, you will lead a group of 20 to 50 Dutch speaking individuals for 7 to 21 days on a motorcoach excursion of the United States. Previous experience as a tour guide, although welcome, is not required, as ATI offers a comprehensive training program. We are looking for great communication and interpersonal skills, fluency in Dutch or Flemish and in English, and an interest in taking excellent care of our passengers on tour to ensure they have the most enjoyable vacation possible. Tours are assigned from one of three departure points: Los Angeles, Orlando or New York. The applicant should be able to report to the departure point on his or her own. The role of a Tour Director is to oversee every facet of the travel experience. Acting as a Field Representative for ATI, the Tour Director must exercise independent judgment and deal with every situation in a professional, well-informed, and timely manner. As a link between ATI, the passengers and the various service suppliers, the Tour Director performs a critical public relations role by responding to passenger needs and resolving any issues that may arise during the tour. While the tour itinerary is outlined ahead of time, the overall planning of each day on the road is the responsibility of the Tour Director. Therefore it is essential for the tour director to be well-organized, to be capable of real-time decision making, and to possess excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Dutch and English, including pronunciation and diction. The ability to think on your feet and make independent decisions, as well as to communicate fluently in Dutch or Flemish and English is essential and critical. Full Posting: http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8b4c31af64d69d42&from=tellafriend&utm_source=jobseeker_emails&utm_medium=email&cd%20-=tell_a_friend

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Fast Track Classroom Training for Tour Directors, Travel Staff, Tour Guides and Cruise Hosts 

When:  January 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2014 *
Time:  9 AM to 5 PM
Where:  Laguna Hills in beautiful South Orange County, California

Question?  Contact Cherie at:  cherie@tourtraining.com or call 949-830-8603 PST
*The hotel offers discounted rates for AAA Members, Federal Employees, seniors and more.  
Enrollment:  $545.00
$85.00 Non-Refundable Deposit
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=F9E56LZZ65P7E
Payment in full.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=68VME98F27BG8
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Video Series - Travel Careers on Land and Sea  TourTraining.tv      

http://archive.aweber.com/tourtraining/Ejt2n/h/Pro_Tour_Management_Training.htm

European Tours and Work Visas

Some of the major US tour operators have already started hiring their new tour directors for their European tours in 2014.   I've listed some their postings below along with a link at the bottom for more information and how to apply for each.  The majority of tour operators will start their new hiring in January.

Due to security issues since 911, Western European countries and the US now often require work visas for tour directors working in the destinations over 90 days.  This has added to hiring challenges for outbound and inbound tour operators.

The US inbound tour operators have always had challenges finding good US bilingual tour directors to lead their US tours.  For years they have hired European tour directors for their high season, May through October.  Due to the work visa requirements it has made it more difficult to hire Europeans.  The result has led to more of a need and opportunities for US based bilingual tour directors.   Their tour directors are not all bilingual but language skills are an asset in getting hired.

Outbound tour operators now have the added challenge of meeting the work visa requirements for their Western European tours.  Some will require the tour director to be 'eligible' and then help obtain the work visa.  Other tour operators require the tour director to obtain the work visa on their own.  I recommend contacting the tour operator and or state department to confirm procedures to obtain the work visa.  If you already live in Europe and or have a European passport then you are probably already qualified to work.

US State Department for visa information: http://travel.state.gov/visa/

This requirement normally does not apply to most of the other countries in the world.  We are usually considered visitors and not there for business purposes.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a holiday season full of lots of love and fun!!

Cherie

Trafalgar

Travel Director

The role of seasonal Travel Director for Trafalgar is a challenging yet rewarding one. Based in Europe, and working on a contract basis, you will be responsible for the seamless day to day delivery of our guided holidays and vacations throughout the UK or mainland Europe. You will escort our guests who travel from various English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada and the USA etc. from city to city, bringing Europe to life, but also taking them off the beaten track to enjoy exclusive experiences and revealing the unique people, places and sights that make each destination so memorable.

This is an excellent opportunity for people with passion and personality who are customer focused, friendly and attentive and who have the skills to deliver an award winning service for a leading Tour Operator.

Contiki

Tour Manager - Europe 2014

The role of Tour Manager for Contiki is a demanding yet fulfilling one. Our Tour Managers are responsible for the day to day running of our European tours - getting our clients from city to city, pointing out the best sights and sounds of Europe and making sure everyone has a great time along the way. We look for people with personality and passion, who are fun, friendly, and approachable and most of all who enjoy looking after other people.

Why work for Contiki?

Contiki is the world's leading tour operator for 18-35's. When working for us you're undertaking not only a job but a lifestyle. A life that involves travelling to some of the most exotic destinations in the world with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet.

As a member of our road crew, you will be the face of Contiki - dealing with our passengers each day and ensuring that they have the holiday of a lifetime! We have high expectations of our road crew - only the best will do. We've been at the top of our game for over 50 years and that's where we intend to stay!

Contiki

On-site Team Member 2014

 Want to call Europe home for a summer?

 Aching for a chance to live like a local and experience the language and culture of another country? Gaining a much sought after position as a Contiki On-site Team Member at one of our Contiki Villages, Sites or Stopovers is one way of doing just that!

We are looking for people who are not afraid of physically demanding work, who are full of enthusiasm, and who love dealing with people, to fill a number of positions which are available for our Summer season. You' ll be based at one of our Sites in either France, Austria, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy or Greece, and together with other team members you will be be responsible for looking after our clients during their stay. Positions vary from site to site, but include cooks, assistant cooks, bartenders, housekeeping assistants and grounds/maintenance staff.

 

Economic Education Tour Guide (Part-Time)-233824

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Primary Location  NY-New York City

 Part-time

The Economic Education function aims to educate the public about the Federal Reserve System and its role in implementing monetary policy and ensuring financial stability. We are seeking part-time professionals to serve as lecturers/educators in the museum.

This is a Part-time role for approximately 17 hours per week (benefits eligible role)

The primary responsibility will to conduct public tours and lectures in the museum and assist with other projects to support the function's mission to educate students, teachers, and general public in the museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Uniworld

Concierge on board a river cruise ship in Europe

This is an exciting opportunity to join us on a journey of a  lifetime with the only authentic boutique river cruise line. We are offering a competitive remuneration package with regular holidays, contracts according to Swiss law with all social security benefits and full medical insurance, as well as on-going development opportunities with the possibility to progress within the organisation.

As Concierge you are providing assistance to guests with regards to special requests in a 5* manner, and provide relevant itinerary information to our guests. You work closely with the on board Cruise Manager to ensure guest satisfaction.

Key responsibilities and duties of this position include:

Assisting guests with information for individual exploration

Responsible for correct transfer lists in conjunction with vendor and flight information

Being responsible for transfer operation in liaison with the Hotel Manager, including the preparation and checking of transfer lists with flight information and vendors.

Assisting guests with any unforeseen difficulties and emergencies such as lost luggage, flight changes and any other assistance that might be required

Updating "Travel tips when you get there" and issuing  information on cultural /sports events in each port

Being a personal contact for our guests

Destination Concierge

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. - United States

Celebrity Cruises is looking for inspired global professionals who believe in success through commitment and pride to join our expanding family. As an industry leader in service and innovation, we provide a working environment that fosters career growth and development for our onboard team members. With a fleet of innovative cruise ships, each offering guests a premium vacation experience, there are almost countless opportunities to join us at sea.

The Destination Concierge is responsible for promoting, marketing and selling tours to high end premium guests onboard the vessel. This position ensures the achievement of company targets revenue, guest satisfaction, shareholder value, employee satisfaction, and other key results areas.

Click here for additional information and to apply:

http://archive.aweber.com/tourtraining/Bs3AX/h/Pro_Tour_Management_Training.htm