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Travel Guides

SOC 39-7012.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers guided tour operations from day-one participant orientation and basic booking support through executive-level portfolio strategy, vendor leadership, and organizational capability development in the travel and tourism industry.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Tour itinerary templates — review and follow under direct supervisor guidance during initial client-facing assignments.
  2. Sightseeing and shopping recommendations — deliver scripted advice to tour participants at commonly visited destination sites.
  3. Transportation and accommodation bookings — assist in arranging details using office suite software under close supervisory direction.
  4. Tour group participants — greet and orient upon arrival at designated meeting points following established protocols.
  5. Basic first aid procedures — apply to minor injuries among group participants according to certified training guidelines.
  6. Travel package features — describe and present to prospective clients using prepared promotional materials under staff oversight.
  7. Special needs of individual tour participants — identify and report to a senior guide for appropriate action on group tours.
  8. Service feedback forms — collect from tour participants and submit to tour organizers at the conclusion of each trip.
  9. Customer relationship management (CRM) software — enter basic client contact and booking data under the direction of a senior guide.
  10. Tour group schedules — monitor time checkpoints and alert supervisor when itinerary milestones are at risk of being missed.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Tour itineraries — plan and adjust applying working knowledge of travel routes, destination sites, and seasonal conditions.
  2. Accommodations and ground transportation — coordinate and confirm arrangements independently for standard group tours using booking databases.
  3. Itinerary disruptions and service delays — resolve routine problems by applying familiar problem-solving steps with minimal supervisor input.
  4. Special participant needs including mobility or dietary requirements — attend to proactively throughout the duration of a tour.
  5. Travel package options — sell to clients by adapting persuasive talking points to individual customer interests and budget ranges.
  6. Medical personnel availability and emergency contact protocols — arrange and verify before expeditions depart from the home base.
  7. Destination-specific sightseeing and shopping guidance — provide with increasing local knowledge to groups at multiple tour locations.
  8. Post-tour service evaluations — compile participant feedback and summarize findings in written reports submitted to tour organizers.
  9. Mobile location-based services software — use to track group movements and communicate real-time updates to participants in the field.
  10. Group dynamics and participant satisfaction — monitor throughout a tour and adjust pacing or programming to maintain positive experience.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex multi-stop tour itineraries — design and execute autonomously, integrating transportation, lodging, and activity logistics across diverse destinations.
  2. Non-routine itinerary crises such as weather disruptions or supplier failures — resolve decisively on behalf of the tour group in real time.
  3. High-value travel packages — sell through customized consultations, applying negotiation skills and nuanced understanding of client motivations.
  4. First aid including assessment of more serious injuries — administer competently and coordinate handoff to medical personnel during expeditions.
  5. Vendor and accommodation provider relationships — negotiate terms, evaluate service quality, and report findings to influence future tour planning.
  6. Participant special needs spanning accessibility, medical, and cultural considerations — manage comprehensively throughout the full tour lifecycle.
  7. Tour performance data — analyze using spreadsheet and CRM software to identify service trends and recommend itinerary improvements.
  8. Spontaneous sightseeing and cultural commentary — deliver accurately and engagingly across multiple destinations without reliance on scripted materials.
  9. Junior guides and support staff — coordinate task assignments and provide real-time coaching during active tour operations.
  10. Client-facing written communications including pre-tour briefing documents and post-tour summaries — produce independently to a professional standard.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organization-wide tour portfolio — develop strategic itinerary offerings that align with market demand, profitability targets, and brand positioning.
  2. Company service standards for guide conduct, problem resolution, and participant care — establish and institutionalize across all tour products.
  3. Emerging travel destinations and route innovations — evaluate through research and pilot tours, leading adoption decisions for the organization.
  4. Guide training programs covering itinerary planning, first aid, and customer service — design and deliver to build organizational capability.
  5. Tour organizer and key vendor partnerships — negotiate and steward at a senior level to secure favorable terms and consistent quality.
  6. Organizational CRM, booking, and reporting technology systems — champion selection, implementation, and staff adoption to improve operational efficiency.
  7. Complex client escalations and reputational risk situations — resolve at the executive level, preserving client relationships and company standing.
  8. Revenue and profitability performance of tour operations — oversee using analytical software dashboards and guide data-driven investment decisions.
  9. Cross-functional sales and marketing strategies for travel packages — lead in collaboration with marketing teams to grow market share.
  10. Industry trends in accessible and sustainable tourism — champion adoption of inclusive practices and responsible tourism standards across the organization.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors53 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Adventure Guide · Alpine Guide · Cruise Agent · Cruise Consultant · Cruise Coordinator · Cruise Counselor · Cruise Director · Cruise Guide · Destination Coordinator · Destination Imagination Coordinator · Dude Wrangler · Event Guide
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Service OrientationSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessActive ListeningCoordinationPersuasionReading ComprehensionTime ManagementWritingCritical ThinkingActive LearningNegotiationComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoring
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingAdministrative
Abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityNear VisionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning
Work styles
DependabilitySocial OrientationCooperationAdaptabilitySelf-ControlAttention to Detail
Technology
Customer relationship management CRM softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareAccounting softwareMobile location based services softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Arrange for tour or expedition details such as accommodations, transportation, equipment, and the availability of medical personnel.
  2. Plan tour itineraries, applying knowledge of travel routes and destination sites.
  3. Resolve any problems with itineraries, service, or accommodations.
  4. Attend to special needs of tour participants.
  5. Sell travel packages.
  6. Evaluate services received on the tour, and report findings to tour organizers.
  7. Give advice on sightseeing and shopping.
  8. Administer first aid to injured group participants.
CIP education codes
52.0903

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.