Menu
Becoming a Tour Guide is the Path to Your Dream Travel Career
For six decades tour companies have been hiring ITMI tour guides and directors because they receive the most comprehensive training in the industry.
For six decades tour companies have been hiring ITMI tour guides and directors because they receive the most comprehensive training in the industry.
30 TRAVEL CAREERS eBOOK
Start Here. Change Your Life.
You will be learning from experts; your training instructors are all active tour directors and guides and will be your coaches and mentors throughout your training both on-line and through in-person masterclass training.
Local Tour Guide On-line Certification Course
Step 1: Self Study: ITMI’s lays the foundation for your new career in travel. Learn how you can make money as a tour guide and tour director. Understand the skills needed to get hired. Start developing the necessary skills to be successful. What makes this e-course truly special it is that you will be coached in this instructor moderated self-paced course.
Step 2: Tech Prep Course: Take a quick pre-course to familiarize yourself with the technology you will use during the class and on the road.
Step 3: This 3-day weekend (live online instructor-led) The Local Tour Guide Certification Course training program is where the magic happens. You will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills, like storytelling, research commentary, tour planning, routing, technology, public speaking for walking tours, local events, food / wine tours and give you the skills to get the job you want with tour operators, event companies or DMC’s.
The Local Tour Guide On-line Certification Course is both a stand-alone certification program for people pursuing a career as a Local Tour Guide AND the pre-requisite required for ITMI’s International Tour Director Certification Course.
Upon completion of your training, you will be welcomed into the ITMI Certified Travel Community, the world’s largest, International Family of Professional Tour Guides, Tour Directors and Tour Companies.
Next…You are in the Tour Director seat!
International Tour Director On-Line Certification
Want to lead groups on multi-day tours both domestically and internationally? Here is where it begins. Building on the skills and confidence you gained in your tour guiding classes, we now take you over the road from the moment you learned you got hired.
Step 1: Introduction: Our courses are truly unique, as we again coach you all the way through, with our Instructor moderated self-paced training program.Step 2: The Essentials Domestic and & International Tour Director concepts, to creating memorable experiences for your guests.
Step 3: This 3-day weekend (live online instructor-led) International Tour Director Course expands upon the information you mastered in Tour Guiding. You will learn and practice the necessary skills to take groups of people on an over-the-road adventure as a master storyteller and people person extraordinaire, all while seamlessly managing the important logistical details.Included in your training is the Career LaunchpadFind job opportunities• Write your cover letter to wow tourism industry professionals• Create a functional resume geared towards your dream job• Find out what tour companies are looking for when they hire• Create a video introduction• Design memorable business cards• Apply to tour companies• Prepare for your interviews
When ready, attend an in-person multi-day masterclass experience that includes practical application of everything you’ve learned so far. You’ll practice and hone your skills in real-life situations including an “over-the-road” portion on a luxury motorcoach.
When you finish the ITMI Local Tour Guide Certification and / International Tour Director Certification Course training, you will have received the most comprehensive and up-to-date training in the travel industry.
If you love traveling want to meet people, learn about cultures, build bridges of understanding around the globe, we invite you to become a Local Tour Guide or International Tour Director both domestically and internationally, it is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
During your training, not only will we walk you step-by-step on how to become a certified tour director or tour guide, we’ll also show you how to get a job!
Your training cost includes an online self-study course: ITMI Career Launchpad. This program can be purchased separately for $295.
Here’s a look inside ITMI’s Tour Guide Training Program:
Over three decades ago, ITMI was the first organization to revolutionize how tour directors and tour guides were interviewed for jobs by tour companies at the ITMI Annual Symposium.
In 2021, ITMI partnered with NTA (National Tour Association) to create the ITMI Symposium / NTA Travel Exchange.
This is the industry’s largest gathering of tour directors, tour guides, tour operators, DMO’s, suppliers and industry leaders. You will reap the benefits of growing your portfolio by expanding your network and destination knowledge, exploring specialized tours, educating yourself on industry trends, starting your own company, and finding both domestic and international job opportunities with key players in Travel and Tourism.
ITMI hosts a ‘Tour Guiding Jobs’ website, updated daily with dozens of jobs from all over the world. You will be sent a weekly email highlighting those opportunities.
The website will help you discover thousands of exciting jobs with companies looking for professional tour guides, tour directors, tour leaders, travel directors, tour managers, travel leaders, adventure guides, tour escorts, cruise directors, lecturers, experience hosts and more.
Download the TourTrackapp to receive instant job notifications and organize all your tour communications in one.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’VE BEEN HIRED!
You know your commentary, have wonderful people skills, and guests love you. But, you want more of that special edge, tips and tricks to continue to landing those jobs that bring you joy, doing student, adult, or adventure tours.
If you are an adventure guide, tour leader, tour guide, travel director, course leader, we have 2-7 day ‘over-the-road’ training programs for you that will train specifically for destinations such as cities or National Parks.
For those that have an adventurous spirit, stay tuned as we explore new destinations next year.
Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?
Have you ever wondered about having your own travel business?
Do you love the idea of creating experiences for others? Love your city? Love food and wine, hiking, kayaking, biking etc…find a niche market where you live?
We can help you get there!
Take our Tour Entrepreneur: How to Start Your Tour Business (online self-study) $495
During this self-study course we will go through the 10 Essential Questions you should be asking yourself to determine if you are ready to start your own local tours.
How About Starting a Multi- Day Domestic or International Tour Business?
Our Tour Entrepreneur: Multi-Day Domestic & International Tours online self-study course $295 will allow you the opportunity to learn how to create your own multi-day and international tours.
Technology is a powerful force in our lives. It can simply be a process, save valuable time and breathe life into your storytelling and commentary. It can also make you want to rip your hair out, question your sanity and force you to crawl in bed and pull the covers over your head!
The pandemic has changed how you will deliver the tour experience through technology and is a must have in your toolbox. You will learn how to utilize technology to simplify and enhance the tour, while providing fantastic experiences for your guests.
We have the courses for you…
Learn the logistics, history, culture, commentary, and strategies to plan and lead tours and avoid costly mistakes as a travel professional tour guide, tour director, travel advisor or travel agent / consultant.
Spain Masterclass: For Tour Professionals
Portugal Virtual Tours
France Virtual Tours
Unlike others training programs, that only ask you for your credit card, we ask you to complete an application. Why? It is our first way of getting to know you, your goals, hopes and dreams.
Once we receive your application, you will be contacted to set up a convenient time to speak with someone on the ITMI team. During our call we will explore the information that is on your application, answer questions and then we determine together, if ITMI is the right fit for you!
The application process is free…no obligation.
Don’t just take our word for it.
One of the best decisions I've ever made. Investing in training at ITMI changed my life and gave me access to a career that is challenging me and bring me a whole lot of joy! THANK YOU ITMI!!
Thank you so much to ITMI because without this training I wouldn't be able to unlock the doors to my dreams. The greatest thing ITMI did was to create this community of people like me, who share a love of travel, culture, history and adventures.
Celebrating 1 year anniversary from ITMI! In the past year I was a tour director through the Western National Parks and today I'm heading on a plane for my first tour in Europe. Thank you ITMI!
A fulfilling life of excitement and wonder is just one decision away. Like so many others who took that first step, this really could be what you’ve been looking for.
Concert pianist, Olympic swimming finalist, game show contestant, fashion designer, practicing Los Angeles attorney, college student, history teacher, empty nester, Fortune 500 CEO, trapeze artist, retired police officer, minister, chef, film producer, gemologist, television producer, auctioneer, stockyard auctioneer and soap opera actress.
Answer: They are all professional tour directors and tour guides and graduates of ITMI.
It may appear that each of the jobs would be fulfilling in themselves. No matter what background people may have, there is a special bond shared by all, created by the desire to interact one-on-one with people from different cultures and countries from around the world.
Tour directors come from all walks of life!
Does this sound like you?
There is no denying that the travel industry was devastated by the 2020 covid pandemic. Travel in 2020 was set to surpass globally 8.9 trillion in GDP revenue, reached in 2019, but because of variants that did not happen.
As the pandemic ebbs, most indicators point to travel bouncing back. People have a strong pent-up desire to travel again, see new places, meet new people and reconnect with friends and family. Some travel professionals are calling this ‘revenge travel.’
It is an exciting time to be part of the travel industry. We have not experienced this many travel jobs, both on land and sea, since ITMI began! For you, this means more jobs than ever before.
Now is the perfect time to get trained and get started! Apply Now
ITMI not only trains you how to be a travel professional, we train you how to get a job.
The ITMI brand is recognized throughout the world.
Over three decades ago, ITMI was the first organization to revolutionize how tour directors and tour guides were interviewed for jobs by tour companies at the ITMI Annual Symposium.
In 2021, ITMI partnered with NTA (National Tour Association) to create the ITMI Symposium/NTA Travel Exchange.
This is the industry’s largest gathering of tour directors, tour guides, tour operators, DMO’s, suppliers and industry leaders. You will reap the benefits of growing your portfolio by expanding your network, and destination knowledge, exploring specialized tours, educating yourself on industry trends, starting your own company, and finding both domestic and international job opportunities with key players in Travel and Tourism.
ITMI hosts a ‘Tour Guiding Jobs’ website, updated daily with dozens of jobs from all over the world. You will be sent a weekly email highlighting those opportunities.
The website will help you discover thousands of exciting jobs with companies looking for professional tour guides, tour directors, tour leaders, travel directors, tour managers, travel leaders, adventure guides, tour escorts, cruise directors, lecturers, experience hosts and more.
Download the TourTrack App to receive instant job notifications and organize all your tour communication in one convenient place.
Many people wonder if tour director and a tour guide are the same; the answer is no.
A Tour Director is responsible for leading a group 2 – 14 days or longer with the same guests.
The Tour Guide usually spends a few hours a day with a group delivering more detailed local storytelling commentary. The tour guides normally live in or near the city they are guiding. You could also be referred to as a Step-on-guide.
The Tour Director can be called several different names depending on the tour company. They may be called a Tour Manager, Tour Leader, Travel Leader, Travel Director, Course Leader, Adventure Guide, CEO (Chief Experience Officer), and a few companies still use the term Tour Escort. The job is the same whatever the title.
The Tour Operator employs the tour director or tour guide.
Find out how to own your own business in our Tour Entrepreneur course.
Here are some things to consider.
Independent Contractor:
As an independent contractor, you have control over how many companies you decide to work for, and how often you work. You are paid a fee in the United States and receive a 1099 Form at the end of the year.
The choice you make will be anywhere from full time (250+ days per year), part time (75 – 100 days per year) or seasonal (2 weeks, 1 month or summer vacation). Companies will ask for your availability and try to provide tour offers that fit within your time frame and expertise. You can work for as many companies as you wish; the choice is yours!
Employee:
As an employee you usually cannot work for other tour companies except during the off-season.
You will receive a salary and employee benefits that may include sick time, workers’ compensation, and other extras such as an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) for wellbeing, yearly meetings and training or shadow tours. All based on performance.
You have the flexibility to work different peak seasons. Fill your schedule leading student tours in the spring, multi-generational family tours in the summer and be cruising on international waterways in the fall or winter.
If you want more time at home with your friends and family, or have another job, you could do local city tours, walking food tours, a couple of multi-day tours…the possibilities are endless!
Great question!
Compensation statistics are gathered via our annual ITMI survey with tour operators and tour directors.
As tour guide or tour director you will be paid a fee or salary by your tour company. Gratuities are a major part of your compensation depending on a number considerations. Many people choose to work as a local guide for part of the year and then spend a few months traveling over the road. You can do both.
Local tour guides normally receive a daily or hourly rate plus gratuities from guests. The average day rate for full or half-day tours can be from $30 – $100 per hour plus gratuities.
Tour directors, normally receive a daily rate plus gratuities and sometimes commissions.
Generally speaking, the overall compensation for a 2-week tour conservatively ranges from $4000 – $6000+.
Expenses Covered:
The majority of companies will cover the cost of airfare to the starting point of the tour, your own private room, and food while you are on a multi-day tour as a tour director. For example, a company may give a credit card to pay for your meals, while others will provide you with a daily cash per diem allowance.
Tour Guides are able to balance their careers and their personal lives in a manner that few other jobs afford.
One of the attractive features about tour guiding and tour directing, is that it may actually complement your existing profession and become an integrated career. At ITMI we have found that over the years, many of our graduate have actually preferred to work on a part-time basis.
Which means you can work with a tour when your schedule permits, such as weekends or summer vacations. There are part-time gigs, full-time, seasonal – you name it. You’ll find no shortage of opportunities.
Don’t forget you can choose your assignments based on your interests: If you’re a history buff, love architecture, walking tours, wine and food, motorcycles, sports, agriculture the list is endless. With so many travelers desiring so many different types of niche and specialized tours, you will find an opening that will suits you to a tee.
No. A large percentage of our students have already been tour directors or guides. They have come to ITMI to increase their job opportunities, become more professional, learn new tips and tricks, learn how to become a better storyteller, work on their confidence and leadership, and join the join the largest international community of travel professionals in the world.
Since ITMI began, tour companies have been hiring ITMI graduates because they have invested in themselves to be professionally trained, mentored and supported in their future growth and success. We are proud to say that many companies exclusively hire ITMI graduates.
The question you need to ask is really “Can this course help me get a job more easily so I can earn money faster than trying to go it alone?” The answer – a resounding “YES!”
Most tour directors & tour guides earn back the cost of the course in two weeks of touring!
ITMI is a community of individuals passionate about being global ambassadors of goodwill. Each are dedicated to spreading knowledge of other traditions and cultures, to building bridges of understanding through compassion for others, respect for diversity, and a commitment to ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism as sacred stewards of our environment.
SOME OF THE HUNDREDS OF COMPANIES THAT HIRE ITMI GRADUATES
