More thoughts on a career as a tour manager

AJ: Here's some more thoughts on career preparation for a position as a tour manager.

You will need excellent interpersonal skills as you’ll need to communicate with travelers and suppliers. For foreign travel a second or third language is a must. You must like working with people and see opportunity where others may not. Tact and diplomacy are additional important skills. A thirst for further knowledge-being a lifelong learning-is another must. Knowledge of psychology and sociology along with general business practices are more must haves. I also suggest obtaining additional training and plenty of destination knowledge.

Ohio University Southern Campus in Ironton offers on-line classes in group tour leadership and design and there are many educational options.

Local companies like AAA, National Travel and Fellowship Tours conduct group tours so these may be places to start gaining experience. AJ hopefully I answered your questions. If not ask away at thetravelprofessor@gmail.com or call me at 740.533.4559 or toll free 800.626.0513 ext. 4559.

Happy travels!