Vietnam: What do college graduates of the tourism guiding program do?

What do college graduates of the tourism guiding program do?

According to subsection 5, Section A, Part 1 of the Regulations on the Minimum Knowledge and Competence Requirements for Learners after Graduating from Intermediate Level, Associate Level for Occupations in the Fields of Tourism, Hospitality, Sports, and Personal Services (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) issued together with Circular 55/2018/TT-BLDTBXH, students who complete an associate degree in tourism guiding can work in the following positions:

- Domestic tourism guide;

- On-site guide;

- International tourism guide.

What do college graduates of the tourism guiding program do? (Photo from the Internet)

What kind of profession is a college-level tour guide?

Based on subsection 1, Section A, Part 1 of the Regulations issued together with Circular 55/2018/TT-BLDTBXH, the associate-level tourism guiding occupation involves:

An associate degree in tourism guiding is a profession that organizes and serves clients according to various tourism programs with core tasks such as:

- Preparing, organizing and implementing the program; explaining, managing the group of clients;

- Guiding tours;

- Assisting with advertising and marketing and selling tourism programs;

- Establishing and maintaining relationships with partners;

- Resolving arising issues during the tourism program;

- Customer care.

The associate-level tourism guiding profession meets level 5 requirements in the Vietnamese National Qualifications Framework.

The work of the profession is primarily carried out at tourist routes, sites, attractions, and tourism service businesses... The working conditions and environment are very diverse, covering both spatial and temporal aspects; it often involves interaction with tourists, service providers, and other partners.

The work intensity of the profession is not overly arduous but always entails certain psychological pressures. It is a highly service-oriented profession. Jobs in the profession are primarily conducted independently; only a small number of tasks are performed in groups or partially supported by the managing company, tourism service providers, and on-site guides.

To pursue this profession, workers must meet health requirements, have an appropriate appearance, sufficient knowledge and expertise, the ability to communicate effectively during service, professional ethics, organizational skills, and the tasks of a tourism guide.

Minimum knowledge volume: 1800 hours (equivalent to 65 credits).

What are the skill requirements for college graduates in tourism guiding after graduation?

According to subsection 3, Section A, Part 1 of the Regulations issued together with Circular 55/2018/TT-BLDTBXH, associate-level tourism guiding students must meet the following skill requirements upon graduation:

- Organize surveys and design basic and complex tourism programs as per customer requirements;

- Efficiently advise and sell tourism programs that meet customer needs and legal regulations;

- Fully prepare content, means, and supportive equipment before guiding tourists;

- Develop a plan and program for welcoming tourists;- Develop a plan and program for accommodation and dining for tourists;

- Organize team-building, recreational, and shopping activities that meet tourist requirements;

- Provide explanations at tourist spots and on transport means;

- Manage tourists during tours ensuring safety and adherence to itineraries;

- Develop a plan and supervise the efficient and safe departure of tourists;

- Establish and maintain relationships with service providers;

- Report and evaluate the results of tourism programs;

- Effectively communicate with customers in Vietnamese and other foreign languages suitable for tourist guiding requirements;

- Operate, organize customer care, and resolve customer complaints efficiently before, during, and after the tourism program;

- Use appropriately and safely the instructive equipment in the department;

- Update new knowledge and information about tourist routes and tourist spots;

- Grasp new development trends in culture, tourism, travel, and hotels and apply them effectively in work;

- Conduct payment and transactions with service providers and customers correctly;

- Use basic information technology as required; exploit, process, and apply information technology in the professional work of the industry;

- Use basic foreign languages, reaching level 2/6 in the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework, and apply foreign languages in the profession.