Well we have completed this course for 2008.  The programme has moved onto Travel Agency Operations. We will visit the site from time to time to keep it updated with great tour guiding news and of course so news on our upcoming fieldtrip.

Interpretation as defined by Freeman Tilden – is “an educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information.”  It looks at the larger truth behind a statement of fact and should enrich the human spirit and mind. Tilden’s Principles of Interpretation outline the six basic rules of interpretation, which you need to become familiar with (this means just know if off by heart)

The principles and essentials for interpretation in tour guiding are covered comprehensively in this slideshow   (which in itself is a form of interpretation) it will also serve as an excellent resource for your first assessment tasks 2, 3 and 4 and your second assessment Visitor Interpretation  .

So lets get started on our journey by looking at the importance of the planning process  and choice of a theme or message. This is followed by the importance of research which includes sourcing material from various places not just the internet.

The following activities will be completed by you over the next few days in preparation for designing and operating a tour (Task 1) later in the week. The first activity will be run in conjuction with the slideshow above, with special audience , techniques and signs  following.

Much of New Zealand’s tourism revolves around the natural world. The thing that adds another dimension to a guest’s experience is the ability a guide has to interpret the environment around them. We will  take a look at the natural world of New Zealand – geology, geography, climatic zones and some of the plants and animals that inhabit these zones.

This week we will be taking a look at legal requirements for adventure tourism businesses, in particular those whose activities take place on public lands, such as National Parks or Marine Reserves. A key requirement for any operation is a safety plan, designed to identify hazards and set up emergency procedures in the work environment.

Unfortunately, with increased awareness and the need to protect your self from liability issues, comes the paper trail. Keeping excellent records is part of “best operating practice” therefore each one of us will be required to complete a hazard identification hazard-form for a given tourism scenario.

Wanaka 08

The tourism industry is constantly evolving especially regarding practices of Health and Safety in the New Zealand environment. With more people than ever experiencing adventure tourism holidays, the outcome, unfortunately, can mean more accidents or incidents (the preferred industry jargon).

This week, we will look at what concerns us most about Health & Safety and how our own individual actions contribute to everyday health and saftety in the work place. We will also investigate what the consequences for us, your guests and our employers, if we attempt to take short cuts.

One of the most valuable skills is to be able to identify hazards. The most thorough way to do this is to consider risks or issues to do with the people, equipment and the environment.

by Cliff 1066

Morning folks, hope all had a splendid weekend making the most of the lovely weather (its David here by the way).  Some stuff for your diaries:

Firstly we have the practical for food handling which is this Thursday (6 Aug).  8am – 12pm at the restaurant (where you did the hot and cold stuff).  I know you will be gutted that you are not spending this time with me but never mind. Please read the notice in the classroom for details.

Secondly we have your first aid course timetable:

Mon 07 September   and   Fri 11 September (0900 – 1700 both days)

Venue: H205

 Take good note folks (and remember what we have been talking about practising the easy stuff) – the doors will be shut at 0900, no entry after this time will be allowed.  There will be home study handed out on the Monday which must be completed by the Friday.

Leaders are they made or created? Why are they important in tour guiding?

by Samed Haber

What are the qualities of a good leader?  There are many different and complex aspects to the role,  from excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, good communication skills and respect. Qualities are one thing but what are some of the skills  required.

Leader or Manager? Does it have to be one or the other? There are many different types of leaders – political, sports, business etc. No matter what area they may work in they can all be characterised by certain styles.

When you combine a style or styles with interpersonal skills  (remember the Leadership and the qualities of a leader reading) you start to understand how varied the leadership role can be.  Just to reinforce this try identifying leadership styles and interpersonal skills for these different audiences.

Now we have an understanding of different leadership styles and interpersonal skills lets put into practise the theory through a series of roleplays.

This activity on different types of leaders forms part of your assessment on leadership. Match your audience to the leadership style and remember to use the supporting resources, especially the reading on leadership styles.

Lets take a look at some of the technology available to assist in communication for tour guides and generally those working in tourism.

In class, we will look at map reading  skills, and using  PA equipment.

After each session, during facilitation you need to write a few paragraphs on how you might use these skills and technology as a tour guide.

It is important to attend the practical sessions so that you can get some tips on how (and where) you might use this technology.

But first lets learn how, when and why you would use a  two way radio  and after your practical session you can complete this activity .

http://flickr.com/photos/76074333@N00/281830849/

”A tour guide is a person who leads groups of people around a town, museum, or other tourist venue. The tour guide provides a commentary on the features and history of the location, the tours can be from as little as 10-15 minutes to extended periods over many days. Considerable importance is placed on the guide’s knowledge of local stories, history and culture depending on the location of the tour – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_guide Wikipedia:Tour Guide August 2007

This is a course for learning or refreshing yourself with the skills and duties involved in tour guiding for a tourism organisation.

My name is David Seath and I will be guiding you through this course – hopefully challenging and inspiring you and bringing to life just exactly what a tour guide does.

My background is somewhat varied (as you will no doubt find out) but currently I spend most of my time taking groups rock climbing, tramping and mountaineering in the wonderful NZ outdoors. 

The following slideshare is an overiew of the different job opportunities available in the guiding industry.