Certificate in Tour Guiding
INTRODUCTION TO THE CERTIFICATE IN TOUR GUIDING
The Certificate in Tour Guiding is a dynamic two-year program designed to prepare students for a career as professional tour guides, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to deliver memorable and informative travel experiences. The program spans four semesters, combining both theoretical learning and hands-on practical training to ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the tour guiding industry.
Throughout the course, students will gain a deep understanding of various tourism destinations, cultural heritage, history, and environmental aspects, along with the communication and leadership skills required to engage and lead diverse groups of tourists. Key topics include guiding techniques, customer service, local history and culture, safety protocols, and the development of tour itineraries.
The curriculum is structured to provide a blend of lecture time (LT), practical hours (PH), contact hours (CH), and credit units (CU) for each course unit, ensuring that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and the practical expertise necessary for effective tour guiding. Emphasis is placed on developing practical guiding skills through site visits, fieldwork, and internships that simulate real-world guiding experiences.
By the end of the program, graduates will have the necessary qualifications to work as tour guides in various sectors of the tourism industry, including cultural, historical, adventure, and eco-tourism. The Certificate in Tour Guiding provides a strong foundation for those seeking to pursue further education or specialize in specific areas of tour guiding, offering a pathway to a rewarding career in the growing global tourism industry.
Here is the Course Outline for the Certificate in Tour Guiding, structured over two years (4 semesters). This program provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become a professional tour guide, with each course focusing on different aspects of the tourism and guiding industry.
Year 1 – Semester 1
No. | Course Code | Course Name | Lecture Time (LT) | Practical Hours (PH) | Contact Hours (CH) | Credit Units (CU) |
1 | CTG 1101 | Introduction to Tour Guiding | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
2 | CTG 1102 | Geography for Tour Guides | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
3 | CTG 1103 | Communication Skills for Tour Guides | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
4 | CTG 1104 | History and Culture of Tourism | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
5 | CTG 1105 | Customer Service in Tourism | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
6 | CTG 1106 | Basic First Aid and Safety | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Year 1 – Semester 2
No. | Course Code | Course Name | Lecture Time (LT) | Practical Hours (PH) | Contact Hours (CH) | Credit Units (CU) |
1 | CTG 1201 | Tour Planning and Itinerary Design | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
2 | CTG 1202 | Environmental Awareness for Tour Guides | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
3 | CTG 1203 | Cultural Sensitivity and Ethics | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
4 | CTG 1204 | Basic Photography for Tour Guides | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
5 | CTG 1205 | Wildlife and Nature Conservation | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
6 | CTG 1206 | Fieldwork/Excursion I | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Year 2 – Semester 1
No. | Course Code | Course Name | Lecture Time (LT) | Practical Hours (PH) | Contact Hours (CH) | Credit Units (CU) |
1 | CTG 2101 | Advanced Tour Guiding Techniques | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
2 | CTG 2102 | Interpretation Skills for Tour Guides | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
3 | CTG 2103 | Tourism Marketing for Guides | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
4 | CTG 2104 | Tour Guiding Equipment and Technology | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
5 | CTG 2105 | Risk Management for Tour Guides | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
6 | CTG 2106 | Internship/Practicum I | 0 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
Year 2 – Semester 2
No. | Course Code | Course Name | Lecture Time (LT) | Practical Hours (PH) | Contact Hours (CH) | Credit Units (CU) |
1 | CTG 2201 | Tour Guiding in Diverse Environments | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
2 | CTG 2202 | Professional Ethics and Legal Issues | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
3 | CTG 2203 | Advanced Tourism Marketing and Sales | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
4 | CTG 2204 | Tour Guiding in Remote and Unique Locations | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
5 | CTG 2205 | Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Tourism | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
6 | CTG 2206 | Internship/Practicum II | 0 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
Total Overview:
- Lecture Time (LT): Classroom hours devoted to theory and discussions.
- Practical Hours (PH): Hands-on practice, fieldwork, excursions, and application of theory.
- Contact Hours (CH): Total number of hours spent in lectures, practicals, and field activities.
- Credit Units (CU): Reflects the academic weight of each course unit based on contact and practical hours.
This program provides a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experiences, allowing students to develop practical skills while gaining in-depth knowledge of the tour guiding industry. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to work as professional tour guides, with expertise in planning, guiding, and interpreting tours across various environments and cultural settings.