Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tour Management Help and Local Hiring!

It's already spring and the busiest season for the CMI Market (Conventions, Meetings and Incentives).  During a normal economy Fortune 500 companies book nine months to a year in advance.   The last several years companies are waiting to book, some even weeks before the event. DMC's (destination management companies) are all extremely busy with programs being held all at the same time.  If you're in a destination popular for conventions, meetings and incentives now is a great time to contact them.  Let them know you have experience and or have been trained.  Most are too busy to train right now.  If you're interested in traveling with the programs, it's also a good time to contact incentives houses to let them know you're available for their last minutes programs. 

I have suggestions especially for those that have taken my training through the "Tour Director Training Guide", the Fast Track Classroom Training and or the online course. When you work for the DMC's and tour operators please review the training.  Review even if you have worked in the past.  I have watched tour directors show up the first couple assignments ready to work and then later they just show up and wait to be told what to do.  Know where you're taking the guests, it's your job to direct the driver.   Know what you need to do when you get to your assignment.  Call and or visit the vendor listed on your trip sheet if you're not sure where to drop off, park and or the procedures for the group. Follow the check list from the training, i.e. from checking in with the program manager and driver to checking the coach at the end.  Know who the guest and the client are, then treat them accordingly.   (Lesson 9) 

If you're not sure about how to do your DMC assignment, you are welcome to ask me.  I'll help.  I want you to be successful. 

The invitation for help also goes to those leading tours.  If you have questions, challenges and or need support, let me know.  I'll help.

Wishing you all the best of success, great weather, on-time flights and nice groups. 

Cherie
Professional Tour Management Training
949 830 8603
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We're successful because you're successful.




TOUR GUIDES
CITY TOURS, INC. - San Antonio, TX
*WE WILL TRAIN YOU!!!
We are a locally owned business celebrating our 26th anniversary in the Transportation and Tourism Industry. We are currently seeking motivated candidates to join our team. Applicants must possess excellent communication skills, be well motivated and have the ability to work as a team member.
Requirements:
•             High School Diploma
•             Have the ability to problem solve
•             Develop positive relations with co-workers
•             Time management                         
•             Must possess strong communication skills
•             Comply with policies and procedures of City Tours Inc.
•             Communicate with customers and co-workers
•             Flexible hours
•             Ability to work in fast paced environment, handle multiple priorities
We offer competitive salary, paid vacation and holiday pay!
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYTOURSINC.COM
Please stop by our office Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM to fill out an application.
1731 South San Marcos
Building 826
San Antonio, TX 78207
210-492-4144


Visitors Center Tour Guide (Summer Employment)
University of Notre Dame - Notre Dame, IN
Visitors Center tour guides provide campus tours and also work at the Visitors Center information desk to greet visitors, answer phones and supply campus information. We require staff to actively engage and welcome each visitor, assist campus guests in accomplishing the purpose of their visit, provide accurate information about Notre Dame and serve as an information resource to all University constituents. Duties vary, but can include clerical office tasks such as creating spreadsheets and letters, responding to e-mails, stuffing mailings, and helping set up tables and chairs for events. Hours are flexible but are generally between 9:00am and 5:00 pm during weekdays and weekends. Several positions are available.

Minimum Qualifications
Tour guides need to have good speaking and presentation skills and the ability to project their voice with clarity.
Must possess a positive, engaging and enthusiastic demeanor, professional appearance, good presentation skills; and have the ability to serve as am informed dedicated ambassador for Notre Dame. Need experience in providing excellent customer service, and willingness to help staff with various duties as needed. We prefer candidates who are available from early May through Mid-august.




CNN Tour Guide
Turner Broadcasting - Atlanta, GA
Qualifications: Minimum Requirements:
- Four year college degree in a related field such as Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or Journalism
- Experience in a customer-service-oriented industry
- Public speaking experience (experience in college is acceptable)
- Candidate must pass a full criminal and financial background check
- Guides are expected to work evenings, weekends and holidays

Desirable (but not required) Experience/Skills:
- Experience with giving tours or in the travel/tourism industry
- Marketing and/or public relations experience
- Ability to speak multiple languages
- News production experience

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

The Inside CNN Tour Guide is often the only interaction that the public has with a CNN employee, so s/he must always represent the brand with professionalism, confidence, and decorum. A successful tour guide should exhibit these qualities:
- Professional and polished appearance (a uniform and dry cleaning service is provided)
- Ability to work as a part of a team and as an individual
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a friendly and approachable demeanor
- Ability to work under pressure and within the confines of multiple deadlines
- Ability to improvise when something malfunctions or there is a sudden change
- Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills
- Patience and understanding with children s groups and other special-needs groups
- Ability to handle and resolve conflict professionally
- Punctuality and willingness to show initiative

Duties: Overview:

The Inside CNN Tour Guide position is an exciting and rewarding entry-level opportunity for candidates looking to start a career at Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. During their tenure with the Inside CNN Studio Tour, guides are exposed to many different departments, gain valuable knowledge about our businesses, and are encouraged to leverage their experience to further their careers within CNN and TBS, Inc.

Position Description:

The Tour Guide s major responsibility is to conduct five to seven guided tours each day for groups of 45 people. This includes gathering groups together in the atrium, clearly and professionally disseminating all of the information contained in the Inside CNN Tour Script, fully and accurately answering all questions asked of them, and maintaining current knowledge of CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and Time Warner.

Outside of the daily tour responsibilities, the tour guide is expected to:
Sell tickets at the box office
Take phone-in reservations using the Vista reservations system
Assist with front-of-the-house duties
Fulfill brochure requests from tour operators and welcome centers
Assist with Prime Time Events, our corporate event business
Assist with marketing projects including mail outs and on-site visits
Attend and facilitate meetings and classes as necessary
Plan and implement individual and group projects designed to improve the quality or increase awareness of the tour
Assist with other projects and presentations as required

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled.


Friday, April 11, 2014

Spring Fast Track Classroom Training for Tour Directors, Tour Guides and Travel Staff!

The deadline to enroll in the next Fast Track Classroom Training is approaching soon!

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

When:  April 25-28, 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

*Enrollment Deadline April 18, 2014 and or when enrollment researches 20 students.

http://tour-guide-training.com/Tour_management_training_fo.php

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Tour Guide Jobs - Seattle - Hawaii - San Francisco - Niagara Falls

Tour Guides
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour - Seattle, WA

Bill Speidel Enterprises Inc., operator of Seattle's famously humorous Underground Tour, Underworld Tour and SubSeattle Tour, is hiring tour guides. Year-round positions available. History buffs, teachers, class clowns and storytellers extraordinaire are encouraged to apply. Submit a letter of interest and resume by replying to this posting by April 2. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. BSE fosters creativity, diversity and a multicultural workplace.

Info@undergroundtour.com

http://www.undergroundtour.com/about/





Tour Guide Driver - Oahu & Maui
Discover Hawaii Tours - Honolulu, HI

Established tour company is looking for enthusiastic people to work as tour guide drivers. We offer excellent pay and benefits. We're looking for people with a great attitude and upbeat personality who are willing to be trained to guide and drive our customers. A CDL is necessary to start.
This job is offered on both Oahu & Maui. Our fleet consists of 25 & 15 passenger mini buses. This is not an easy job but it is fun, rewarding and can be very lucrative. Our customers are high end and tip very well. We invite you to check out our web site at: http://www.discoverhawaiitours.com

Minimum Job Requirements:
Clean driver abstract
Pass pre-employment drug screening
Exceptional customer service skills
Able to work early morning and weekend shifts
A CDL is necessary to start
Please send a details to: grisel@discoverhawaiitours.com



http://www.transportationlogisticsstaffing.com/mar26/honolulu3.html



Tour Guide

Company: Over the Falls Tours, Inc.
Area: Niagara Falls

TOUR GUIDE / DRIVER

o Fun, Seasonal Job, Great Pay, Will Train
o Commercial Driver's License Class C, B or A required - Will Train if no CDL.
o Full and Part-Time
o Days, Evenings and Weekends Required

Over the Falls Tours, Inc.

Call Robert at 716-583-9982



Tour Guide

Description: Do you enjoy hosting visitors to San Francisco and showing them around town? Are you fascinated by history, geography and/or geology? Do you enjoy travel & meeting people from all walks of life? If you answered yes to all or most of these questions you might just make a perfect Tour Driver/Guide. We are currently looking to hire motivated, knowledgeable Tour Leaders for part-time and full-time positions. Tour Leaders will drive a 15-passenger van (or mini-bus) and provide informative friendly commentary.

Qualifications:

A Commercial Driver's License (Class: B with passenger endorsement). Training is available to highly motivated candidates, but please be aware that it takes four to six weeks to get an appointment for a practical commercial test from the DMV.
Clean driving record (no moving violations or accidents on your record).
Must be comfortable talking in front of people and leading a group.
Must be able to change a tire (15 Passenger Van or mini-bus tires are heavy).
Must be drug tested (state law requirement)
Tour guide experience, travel, tourism, hospitality or recreational studies and/or a foreign language are positively viewed Must be VERY reliable, enthusiastic, personable, social, a team player, enjoy talking, friendly, flexible with hours and, did I mention, reliable!
Must be at least 25 years old (for insurance purposes) and able to work in the United States legally.
Must be willing and able to work long hours and weekends!

Position length: Permanent full time and part time positions available.

Deadline: Applicants accepted all year. Please note preferred start date on application.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE9WbXhid1lnanRkNDFNNTlLU01TUmc6MQ

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Hiring for Adventure!

I thought the following openings sounded interesting for those with adventure in their heart. They are a bit different but sound like fun.   If you know others that may be interested please pass the information along.
Wishing everyone the very best!
Cherie
Rustic Pathways
Global Summer Program Leader
Location: Multiple Countries
Type: Seasonal Min. Experience: Experienced
Rustic Pathways offers the world's finest international high school service, adventure and foreign language programs. Our destinations stretch from the white-sand beaches of Fiji to the rainforest canopies of Costa Rica, the high Himalaya to the Great Barrier Reef, and many points in between. Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs in some of the world's most welcoming countries for students and families. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places strong emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff.  We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that leads to greater global understanding and cooperation.
Rustic Pathways seeks to hire exceptional Global Summer Program Leaders.
Global Summer Program Leaders
@Rustic Pathways
The Position
You are responsible for ensuring a life-changing experience for every student on your programs. This entails properly managing risk and prioritizing the safety of your students, co-leaders, and yourself; implementing Rustic Pathways' Core Learning Values & Framework; promoting positive group dynamics; providing appropriate supervision and being available for students 24-hours a day throughout the duration of the program; and creating a positive work environment for other staff members. You have the opportunity to engage with amazing communities and change the lives of youth across the globe.
You are...
Leader ' Problem-solver ' Good communicator ' Mentor and a role model ' Good listener ' Trainable ' Team player ' Humble and respectful ' Flexible ' Motivated '
You demonstrate...
Safety-awareness with good judgment and rational decision-making skills
Experience in multicultural environments
Experience working with adolescents
Financial tracking, logistical, managerial  and administrative skills
Ability to facilitate positive group dynamics
Maturity
Passion, positivity, and enthusiasm
Ability to maintain excellence under pressure and ever-changing conditions
Responsibilities

Demonstrate responsible leadership and judgment
Act as a role model and mentor for students by embodying RP mission and values
Respond calmly and respectfully to student issues as they arise
Follow all safety and risk management protocols
Manage student physical and emotional well-being
Facilitate cross-cultural awareness
Follow Rustic Pathways' Core Learning Values & Framework
Manage and communicate day-to-day logistics, finance and administration, and group dynamics
Represent Rustic Pathways in all communities where we visit and work
Take responsibility for the success of your program
Requirements

All applicants must be minimum 22 years old by June 1, 2014
Relevant skills and/or community service experience
Native-level fluency in English
Extensive experience working with adolescents
CPR and First Aid Certified (before start of work)
Additional Information:

http://www.rusticpathways.com/employment



.

National Park Services
 Job Title:Animal Packer Helper
Department:Department Of The Interior
Agency:National Park Service
Job Announcement Number:YL1036651

SALARY RANGE:
$16.98 to $19.81 / Per Hour
OPEN PERIOD:
Thursday, February 13, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
SERIES & GRADE:
WG-5001-05
POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time - Seasonal NTE 1039 hours
DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yellowstone National Park, WY
WHO MAY APPLY:
United States Citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE:
Public Trust - Background Investigation
JOB SUMMARY:
Experience your America and build a fulfilling career by joining the National Park Service. Become a part of our mission to unite our past, our cultures and our special places, to establish important connections to the present and build a rich and lasting legacy for future generations. For more information about the National Park Service, click http://www.nps.gov/index.htm.

The Northern Rockies Servicing Human Resources Office (NR SHRO) in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is currently accepting applications to fill one or more temporary positions as Animal Packer Helper, WG-5001-05, in Yellowstone NP.

Appointments are limited to 1039 hours in a twelve month period. Seasonal work is expected to start in the spring and last through early to late fall. Appointments may be terminated at any time and can be extended if workload and funding allow. Positions offer rehire eligibility for subsequent appointments, provided the employee has not exceeded 1039 hours of work in a twelve month period and has achieved an acceptable level of performance.

[Work Schedule: The work schedule will be full-time 40 hours per week. May work overtime, holidays and weekends.  Depending on budget and work levels, employee may be placed on a part-time work schedule (8 to 32 hours per week), or on an intermittent work schedule.  An intermittent schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance.

The incumbent will be stationed in the interior of Yellowstone National Park and will work at many different backcountry and front-country locations resupplying and supporting trail crews. Duties will often require camping in tents and cooking communally as a member of a 4-8 person trails crew in remote backcountry locations. When in the front-country, the work schedule is expected to be 4 10 hour days each week. Backcountry trips typically last 4 days but can be up to 9 days.

While in the front-country, dormitory housing may be available. Most front-country locations are 40-50 miles from the nearest gateway community with services (grocery stores, motels, restaurants, medical offices). Medical clinics are available in Mammoth Hot Springs, Lake Village, and Old Faithful. Park Headquarters is located at Mammoth Hot Springs, elevation 6,200 feet. Temperatures in the park vary from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to sub-zero at times. The incumbent works outdoors in all weather extremes in steep and mountainous terrain. At times, the incumbent will work alone in backcountry areas and must be able to sustain themselves in these conditions. The incumbent will be exposed to the possibility of broken bones; cuts; bruises; strained and wrenched muscles; burns from ropes; insect bites; and the danger of animals striking, kicking, or crushing.

Additional Information:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/360018500

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

www.tour-guide-training.com

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Travel Industry Roars Back to Pre-Recession Employment Level!


I’ve posted a couple recent articles below I think you’ll find interesting if you’re already leading tours, considering it and or a traveler.
I’m proud and love working in Travel and Tourism, but you have probably heard me say that many times.  I enjoy what I do and what it does for others and the world.  I have watched tourism change the world for years and getting very little credit.  It does so much to bring the world together by fighting cultural misunderstandings, supporting developing communities, supporting historical sites and museums, saving wildlife reserves and much, much more.   
We used to use the term eco-tourism a lot.  Today you’ll hear the term, sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism goes even further with green facilities and concern about the ‘footprint’ left behind by the travelers.   The UNWTO, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, promotes tourism to help developing countries and communities.
The UNWTO, now has a new handbook linking tourism and peace.  It’s tough to admit this but when I started leading tours, I lead tours to the USSR and China when some still wore Mao jackets.  (I was very young!)   My career has given me the opportunity to watch the world change and see the opinions of my tour member’s change through their travel experiences.  A number of my past students are having the same opportunity leading tours to Cuba through the People to People cultural exchange program.  I’ve posted the article about the new WTO handbook below.
Good news!  ”Jobs Report Milestone: Travel Industry Roars Back to Pre-Recession Employment Level”.   Jobs!  See the article below.
Wishing everyone the very best!
Cherie

Jobs Report Milestone: Travel Industry Roars Back to Pre-Recession Employment Level
Published on : Saturday, February 8, 2014
The U.S. travel industry has returned to its pre-Great Recession employment level, while most of the economy still struggles to reach that mark, according to the latest U.S. Department of Labor figures released Friday.

With an addition of 7,000 travel jobs in January, plus a substantial upward revision of previous data, the new labor report reveals that the travel industry actually reached the milestone in October, and now stands 11 percent above the pre-recession employment peak of February 2008.

Since the recovery began, the travel industry has added jobs at a rate 19 percent faster than the rest of the economy overall, which has replaced only 88 percent of the jobs lost during the recession.

“We’ve always known that travel had the tools to outperform most of the economy even in very troubled times, so it’s not a surprise that we’ve reached this mark while industries such as construction, manufacturing, real estate and finance are far from fully recovered,” said David Huether, U.S. Travel’s senior vice president for research and economics. “We had long suspected we would get back to pre-recession levels before the end of 2013, and lo and behold, the data revisions show we got there in October.”

Travel supports 14.6 million American jobs, directly employs one in eight Americans across key job sectors—including transportation, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, among others—and is a top-10 employer in 47 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Travel-related jobs are notable for their quality as well as quantity. The average maximum salary for someone who started their career in the travel industry is $81,900—significantly higher than other industries—-and two in five of those go on to salaries in excess of $100,000 per year.

“This latest data leaves little room for doubt: travel is a job-creating powerhouse,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “It’s nice to have reached this milestone, but there is much more we can do to build further upon this record of success. We’re excited about the possibilities our industry holds for the U.S. economy and workers.”

Dow concluded by noting that policymakers could encourage more U.S. travel job creation by passing the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act—which has been introduced in the House as H.R. 1354, and provisions of which were included in the Senate-passed immigration bill—and reauthorizing Brand USA, a non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to increasing inbound international travel to the United States.

http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/jobs-report-milestone-travel-industry-roars-back-to-pre-recession-employment-level/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Travel%20And%20Tour%20World&utm_content=Jobs+Report+Milestone%3A+Travel+Industry
UNWTO Launched International Handbook on Tourism and Peace
Published on : Saturday, February 8, 2014

With the help of the Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth and the Ministry of European and International Affairs of Austria, the International Handbook on Tourism and Peace launched. The Handbook offers an inclusive collection of perspectives on tourism and peace from leading international experts with topics ranging from sustainable development and conflict resolution to eco-tourism and heritage preservation and includes several case studies.

Published by the Centre for Peace Research and Peace Education of the Klagenfurt University, in collaboration with UNWTO, within the framework of their combined ‘Tourism and Peace’ project, this publication aims to make a significant academic contribution, even as providing also important insights for the broader public in presenting tourism as a powerful tool within the international peace building agenda.

Experts contributing both case studies and theoretical approaches make the Handbook an exclusive and powerful contribution to the overall discussion about new pathways to peace. Based on the diversity, the editors of the book conclude that aspects of “peace sensitive” tourism can be carved out and used by various tourism stakeholders and tourists, as well as international and development organizations.

http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/unwto-launched-international-handbook-tourism-peace/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Travel%20And%20Tour%20World&utm_content=Jobs+Report+Milestone%3A+Travel+Industry

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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
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

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


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
.

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! 


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
Payment in full.





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

Saturday, December 21, 2013

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   
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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
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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 
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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.



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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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Sunday, December 1, 2013

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:

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

TREK TRAVEL - Bike Tours

Do you want to bike around the world while getting paid? AWESOME! We have just posted our 2014 Hiring and Training Dates and can't wait to hear from you:
TREK TRAVEL, the world's leading cycling tour company is currently looking for individuals who are passionate about people, cycling and travel to lead unforgettable bicycle vacations for us this season in North America and Europe. Our main season runs from April through November. We are hiring individuals fully available during these months, especially interested in candidates with strong bike mechanic skills, and French, Italian and/or Spanish language skills. Completed applications are reviewed and processed in the order they are received. If you are interested in finding out what it takes to be a Trek Travel Bike Guide, please click the following link to read the full job description and apply online: http://www.trektravel.com/employment/be-a-guide/


DEADLINE for Applications: Friday, December 13th, 2013 -- Apply Early -- spots will fill fast!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Major Tour Operators Start Hiring Process for Tour Director and Adventure Guides


Fall Hiring Season

The fall is a good time to start getting ready for the new hiring season for the major Tour Operators.  Most begin their hiring process right after the New Year.  Last year some started in November and it looks like that may be the pattern again this year.  This is the time for those wanting additional work and or new hires to start preparing.
I've posted a number of the sites now accepting online resumes and applications below.  I recommend posting your resume and then refreshing at least once a month. Keep it updated with additional related experience.  When the Tour Operator sees a resume that has been untouched for several months they may assume you're no long interested in the position.
I wish you all the best.  I look forward to you updates.  
Cherie

Tour Operators


Collette Vacations is now accepting resumes for our 2014 season.  We will begin reviewing these in the fall of 2013.
As a Tour Manager you will Conduct escorted tours in assigned destinations by delivering exceptional customer service, seamless operational management and knowledge of destination. Balance business excellence, quality passenger experience and professional expertise.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 COMMENTARY & COMMUNICATION
o Research historical, social & cultural information of assigned destination
o Effectively present researched information to passengers
o Point out sites seen on route and provide information on sites visited
o Effectively communicate all pertinent information of tour to passengers
o Professionally communicate with Collette operational departments regularly
o Complete necessary forms and paperwork to communicate tour incidents
 LOGISTICS & EXPENSES
o Confirm all reservations: hotels, meals, attractions and transportation
o Coordinate all aspects of the tour in accordance with specified itinerary
o Track luggage and coordinate check-in & check-out with hotel staff
o Complete and submit all required paperwork in a timely manner
o Manage tour expenses and vendor payments responsibly
o Negotiate and execute contracts on behalf of Collette Vacations for service recovery and emergency purposes as they arise
o Comply with all company policies and departmental procedures
 SERVICE & FUN
o Provide exemplary & personalized customer service to every passenger
o Accompany passengers to all included tour attractions
o Handle all passenger needs as required on the tour
o Develop & employ a variety of entertainment activities and interaction on tour
o Facilitate an atmosphere of fun and learning on tour
o Insure proper branding of Collette Vacations and/or partners with regard to signage, handouts and recognition
o Act as the "Face of Collette Vacations" in a public relations role
o Maintain positive and professional interaction at all times with passengers and vendors

Read More:
Collette Vacations (Job posted 8/30/13)
https://collettevacations.tms.hrdepartment.com/cgi-bin/a/searchjobs_quick.cgi?kand=&kor=&kquote=&knot=&category=11457&qty=25&sj=1&order=jobs.timedate+DESC&search=Search+Jobs


General Information about Tour Directing with Tauck
Tauck Directors enjoy the benefits and resources of employment with a company that has been
at the cutting edge of guided travel since 1925. We take great pride in these front-line
representatives of our professional Worldwide Operations team. Our reputation for excellence
and integrity was built on the exceptional quality and service of our Tauck Director staff and the
support provided behind the scenes by our office staff in Norwalk, Connecticut. We currently
employ approximately 250 Tauck Directors worldwide. Most Tauck Directors typically work
between the months of May and October, when our tour season is at its height. All Tauck
Directors are expected to be available for work assignments throughout September and
October. Individual schedules vary, of course, depending on the combination of sales,
itineraries assigned, language skills, personal interests, performance history, and seniority

Read More:
http://www.tauck.com/~/media/Files/Careers/TauckDirectorPosting2014.ashx
Apply:
https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=827771&t=2


Backroads (Sports and Adventure Tours)
Dear Leader Applicant,
Thirty-four years ago, I was inspired to start Backroads by the belief that traveling actively, under one's own power, was the most rewarding way to experience the world. Researching and leading those first trips was an education and a challenge. But most of all, it was fun. And it's still fun. After more than three decades of being intimately involved in the growth of Backroads into the world's #1 active travel company, I'm more excited than ever about where we're headed. It's an honor to lead a company composed of such talented, motivated and fun-loving individuals who are so passionate about and dedicated to creating extraordinary guest experiences.
Backroads exists to treat our guests to a style of travel that is unparalleled in the travel industry. The foundation of our extraordinary guest experience is legendary service-and we go so far as to guarantee the quality of our trips. This is where you come in. Fulfilling this commitment is not an easy job, and it's not for everyone. It may be for you, however, if you can share our passion for this unique mode of travel and the quality of experience for each Backroads guest. Both the challenges, and the rewards, are abundant.
Do you have "the right stuff" to be a Backroads leader? Although leaders enrich each trip with unique personality, they share certain critical qualities as well. Our goal is to accommodate guests' individual needs and desires for their vacations in a personal and flexible manner. Every person at Backroads, myself included, works toward this goal. As the company grows, we're looking for more natural leaders who can do a world-class job with style and professionalism. Please review the list below, and the information provided in the sidebars. Consider not just whether you are right for the job, but if this job (really, a lifestyle) is right for you.
Sincerely,

Tom Hale
Founder & President


Please visit this page again on November 1, 2013 when we will begin accepting applications for the 2014 season.
http://www.backroads.com/leaders/


Adventures by Disney
Part concierge, guide and storyteller,
Adventure Guides make the journey unforgettable!

No one tells a story like Disney. No one makes magical memories like an Adventure Guide. The Adventure Guides are a critical component of the overall adventure experience, impacting guest satisfaction and intent to return. In addition to serving as the primary contact and liaison for guests, Adventure Guides coordinate trip logistics (including transportation, luggage, meals and hotel accommodations), communicate daily itineraries and facilitate pre-arranged activities.
http://www.adventuresbydisney.jobs/




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