tour guiding as a viable profession in Catarman, northern samar
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study In today’s busy world, traveling has emerged as an important leisure activity that people undertake. Motives for travel come in a variety of reasons, among them are for physical purposes or those that are directly related to health, wellness and physical enjoyment. These include rest, relaxation and recreation that would lead to release of stress or lessening of tension from work. Others desire to learn about places and their culture, while some enjoy meeting people or visiting old friends and relatives. Self fulfillment can also be achieved through traveling as it contributes to personal development and even elevates social status. Whatever the purpose maybe, travelling is beneficial both for the people who do the actual travel, the places they visit, and the people or the entities who help them throughout their entire travel experience such as the tour guides.
Professional Tour Guiding has a great role in the tourism industry in the country because of the fact that from the time the tourist arrives in the country, goes around the attractions and facilities until he leaves the country, he is in the hands, trust and care of a tour guide. A tour guide has an important and multifaceted role in contemporary tourism. The role of guides in the tourism system distinguishes itself by its potential to manage and orchestrate tourist experiences, enhance destination image and implement the goals of responsible tourism. What guides present and interpret takes effect on the way in which their customers experience a place or attraction, understand local culture, engage in local activities and how they behave on the spot. As front-line professionals, information-givers and interpreters, the guides act as destination’s representatives and „ambassadors” in the eyes of tourists. Tourist guiding is one of the important factors of successful presentation of destinations in contemporary tourism, affecting the resulting economic
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study In today’s busy world, traveling has emerged as an important leisure activity that people undertake. Motives for travel come in a variety of reasons, among them are for physical purposes or those that are directly related to health, wellness and physical enjoyment. These include rest, relaxation and recreation that would lead to release of stress or lessening of tension from work. Others desire to learn about places and their culture, while some enjoy meeting people or visiting old friends and relatives. Self fulfillment can also be achieved through traveling as it contributes to personal development and even elevates social status. Whatever the purpose maybe, travelling is beneficial both for the people who do the actual travel, the places they visit, and the people or the entities who help them throughout their entire travel experience such as the tour guides.
Professional Tour Guiding has a great role in the tourism industry in the country because of the fact that from the time the tourist arrives in the country, goes around the attractions and facilities until he leaves the country, he is in the hands, trust and care of a tour guide. A tour guide has an important and multifaceted role in contemporary tourism. The role of guides in the tourism system distinguishes itself by its potential to manage and orchestrate tourist experiences, enhance destination image and implement the goals of responsible tourism. What guides present and interpret takes effect on the way in which their customers experience a place or attraction, understand local culture, engage in local activities and how they behave on the spot. As front-line professionals, information-givers and interpreters, the guides act as destination’s representatives and „ambassadors” in the eyes of tourists. Tourist guiding is one of the important factors of successful presentation of destinations in contemporary tourism, affecting the resulting economic