Tour guiding is a profession that involves providing assistance, information, and guidance to individuals or groups of tourists during their travels. Tour guides may lead groups or individuals through historical sites, museums, geographic destinations, and on outdoor excursions. They provide beneficial information and knowledge about a certain topic or location to tourists and other clients at educational establishments, religious and historical sites such as museums, and at various venues of tourist attraction resorts. Tour guides also take clients on outdoor guided trips, including hiking, whitewater rafting, mountaineering, alpine climbing, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and biking.

Tour guides are responsible for organizing and leading tours, ensuring that the itinerary is followed, and the group stays on schedule. They may work in various settings, including cities, historical sites, natural landscapes, or cultural landmarks. During tours, guides provide commentary, answer questions, and engage with the tourists, creating an interactive and immersive experience. Tour guides may also operate in various modes of transportation, including buses, boats, trains, or walking tours.

There are different types of tour guides, including:

• Adventure Tour Guides: They lead tours focused on outdoor activities and adventure sports such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, or skiing. They possess skills and knowledge in the specific activities offered, ensuring the safety of participants while providing guidance and instruction. Adventure guides may take tourists to remote and challenging locations, coordinating logistics and providing a thrilling experience.

Tour guides are employed by tour companies, resorts, and attractions. They must have excellent communication skills, creative methods of communication, and the ability to do thorough research. They should also have extensive knowledge of local history, buildings, artifacts, and amenities, as well as excellent organizational and time management skills. A secondary school diploma is preferred, and tour guide certification may be an asset. Safety training is also required.

Possible future career paths for tour guides include becoming a tour director, tour manager, or travel agent.