Tour Manager Job Description

What is the job description of a Tour Manager? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Tour Manager? What does a Tour Manager do?

Job description of a Tour Manager

Tour Managers are responsible for organizing, planning and conducting long distance expeditions, travel, and tours for groups or individuals. They make sure that the travel runs smoothly from venue to venue without any issue.

Tour Managers are required to confirm reservations and show times, and deal with venue managers, ticket agents and promoters. They also manage the schedules of the travel group and look after their finances.

This Tour Manager job description example includes the list of most important Tour Manager duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Tour Manager profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Tour Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Tour Manager job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Accompany groups travelling by coach, or in some cases by car, boat, train or plane
  • Welcome groups of holidaymakers at their starting point and announce details of travel arrangements and stop-over points
  • Check tickets and other relevant documents, seat allocations and any special requirements
  • Help with passport and immigration issues
  • Assist holidaymakers with check-in and settle them into their accommodation
  • Communicate a range of information on itineraries, destinations and culture
  • Inform passengers of arrival and departure times at each destination on the itinerary and ensure that all members of the group are back on the coach before departing from each stop
  • Develop a specialist area of knowledge
  • Use professional knowledge to answer questions from holidaymakers and to fulfil their expectations of the tour
  • Make sure all travel arrangements run according to plan and that accommodation, meals and service are satisfactory
  • Organise entry to attractions and transport, such as car hire
  • Ensure that the tour is running smoothly for individual members of the group
  • Respond to questions and offer help with any problems that arise, ranging from simple matters, such as directing a member of the group to the nearest chemist, to more serious issues, such as tracing lost baggage
  • Deal with emergencies, such as helping a holidaymaker who is ill or those needing to contact family members urgently
  • Make contact in advance with places to stay or visit to check details and arrangements
  • Liaise with hotels, coach companies, restaurants and other clients
  • Advise about facilities, such as sights, restaurants and shops, at each destination
  • Occasionally make accommodation bookings on proposed dates
  • Organise and attend tourism events, conferences, workshops, seminars and exhibitions
  • Write reports and maintain records
  • Provide feedback after a tour as part of a debrief session.

Tour Manager Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Tour Manager job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • High school diploma.
  • Demonstrable experience as a Tour Manager or similar.
  • Formal training in Events Coordination is ideal.
  • Security-conscious and highly professional.
  • Comfortable managing high-budget tours.
  •  Being punctual.
  • Having public relations skills.
  • Polished logistical and problem-solving methods.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to alleviate the taxing emotions engendered by touring.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Tour Manager starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Tour Manager job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Tour Manager may also reference it in preparation for the interview.