Tourism Guide

$49.99

Course Description

The Tourism Guide course provides the foundational knowledge and practical frameworks needed to deliver safe, engaging and professional visitor experiences in tourism and other guiding contexts (e.g., local tours, attractions and nature or cultural interpretation). Learners explore the role and responsibilities of a guide; inclusive communication strategies; group management and risk awareness; interpretive techniques (including storytelling and place-based learning); conservation and sustainable tourism principles; and essential business fundamentals such as trip planning, pricing considerations, marketing, and digital professionalism.

This course is for new and aspiring guides, front-line tourism and visitor-experience staff and operators looking to strengthen guiding skills for tours, attractions and interpretive programs.

What you will learn

The Tourism Guide course includes:

The Role of a Guide

• Understand the core responsibilities of a professional guide.
• Demonstrate professionalism through communication, appearance, punctuality, and conduct.
• Recognize legal and regulatory requirements relevant to guiding (permits, insurance, liability, accessibility standards).
• Understand the importance of building partnerships for long term success.

Communicating Effectively

• Use clear and inclusive language and techniques to create welcoming experiences.
• Adjust communication based on group size, context, and environmental conditions.
• Apply verbal and non‑verbal communication strategies that build rapport and maintain group attention.

Managing Groups Safely

• Conduct risk assessments and identify hazards in various environments.
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans.
• Manage group dynamics, maintain situational awareness and make safety‑focused decisions.

Applying Interpretive Techniques

• Use storytelling techniques to interpret natural landscapes, wildlife, ecosystems and cultural traditions.
• Connect visitors meaningfully to place through accurate, well‑researched information.
• Incorporate Indigenous perspectives where appropriate, respecting cultural protocols.
• Support visitor learning through interactive, engaging methods.

Applying Conservation Principles

• Promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
• Model Leave No Trace principles and minimize environmental impact.
• Educate visitors on conservation issues and encourage stewardship behaviours.
• Understand how guiding practices influence ecological and cultural sustainability.

Understanding Business Fundamentals

• Plan trips effectively, including logistics, timing, safety considerations, and guest communication.
• Understand basic pricing strategies and cost considerations.
• Apply business and marketing principles, including budgeting, building package tours and using online promotion and branding for guiding services.
• Recognize the role of customer reviews, online presence and digital professionalism.

Important information

You should be able to complete the course in approximately four hours. There is a 25-question multiple choice online knowledge check (quiz) at the end of the course. To pass the exam, a mark of 80% must be achieved. You will have three attempts to complete the exam. Participants are required to complete First Aid and CPR training through a reputable business. Upon completion, they should upload their certificate for verification.

Upon successful completion of the course, your certificate is available for you to download from your online profile.  

Contact Information

Tourism Saskatchewan Workforce Development
306-933-5900 or toll-free 800-331-1529
Email: training@tourismsask.com