Guide (Travel Agency)
がいど（りょこうがいしゃ）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Other Service Occupations
- Minor : Tour Conductors and Tour Guides
Summary
A profession affiliated with a travel agency, guiding and explaining tourist spots domestically and internationally, while managing the overall tour operations and providing safe and comfortable travel experiences.
Description
Travel agency guides accompany planned tours, manage operations according to the itinerary, and explain local history, culture, and nature. They may also be required to provide guidance in multiple languages, coordinate with accommodations and transportation, respond to emergencies, and flexibly accommodate customer requests, handling a wide range of tasks. They also thoroughly manage safety and time allocation to improve participant satisfaction and prevent troubles.
Future Outlook
With the expansion of inbound demand and experiential tourism, an increase in demand for guides is expected. Coexistence with audio guides and AR technology will advance.
Personality Traits
Able to Respond Flexibly / Cheerful Personality / Sociable / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Business Trips / Long Hours / Seasonal Fluctuations / Shift Work
Career Path
Tour Assistant → Lead Guide → Tour Planner → Travel Consultant → Tourism Producer
Required Skills
Hospitality / Itinerary Management / Knowledge of Historical and Cultural Aspects of Tourist Spots / Multilingual Communication (English)
Recommended Skills
Cross-Cultural Understanding / SNS Operation / Tour Planning / Utilization of Digital Maps and GPS
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Able to flexibly respond to changes in weather or transportation conditions, and customer requests. |
| Communication Skills | High communication skills are required for interactions with customers and on-site explanations. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | It is necessary to continuously learn new information about tourist spots and multicultural knowledge. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina is needed to endure long hours of walking and sustained work. |
| Planning & Organization | Planning and coordination skills are essential to smoothly manage the movement and itineraries of large groups. |
| Problem Solving | The ability to respond quickly to emergencies and unexpected troubles is required. |
| Stress Tolerance | Stress tolerance is important for long hours of work and dealing with diverse customers. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Advanced mathematical analysis is not required. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager
- Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter
Aliases
- Sightseeing Guide
- Tour Guide
- Travel Guide
Related Jobs
- Interpreter Guide
- Tour Conductor
- Tour Escort
- Tour Planner