Course descriptionLet the International Guide Academy, the leading global provider of Tour Manager, Tour Director and Tour Guide certification programs, since 1973, give your career the direction it deserves. After you earn your certification you receive free lifetime placement assistance. IGA has their Headquarters in Denver, Colorado and the programs are available in Denver USA; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Ottawa, Canada; Beijing, China; and on the NCL Dawn while at sea.
It is important to note that based on the current hospitality industry standards, the professions of Tour Manager (Tour Director) and Tour Guide require different training, knowledge and certifications. IGA has been doing this for close to 40 years.
INTERNATIONAL TOUR MANAGER/DIRECTOR COURSE: This course is intended for you if you are seeking certification as a Tour Manager or Tour Director. People working as Tour Managers 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 motorcoach travel, cruise ship travel and trains. Scroll down this page for schedule and cost of program. (Click here to learn about our Tour Guide course)
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, Motorcoach Commentary, Cultural Practices, How to Research, Leisure Days on Tour, City Tours (working with the local Tour Guide or doing it yourself), Motorcoach Travel, Destination Itinerary Planning, Discussion with a Motorcoach 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 140 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 motorcoach travel is included and more. At IGA you learn by doing.