Tour Directing Video
Interested in learning more about becoming a Tour Director and if it's the right career for you? Watch the four minute A Traveling Lifestyle Video and other insightful tour directing videos.

- A Traveling Lifestyle Video
- Other Tour Directing Videos

- Symposium 2010 Brochure (PDF)
- Symposium 2010 Registration Form
- Symposium 2010 Transportation   (PDF)
- Highlights of Symposium 2010
- 30th Anniversary Video

Job loss and the lack of new job opportunities are devastating many baby boomers, forcing an unprecedented number to seek early retirement. As a result, the most affluent generation in history now faces an unexpected challenge: making ends meet.

The Social Security Administration reports that since October 1, 2008, early retirement claims have soared to record levels. Baby boomers opting to retire at age 62 are settling for as much as 25% less in income per month, than if they waited to retire at age 66. What can baby boomers and retirees do to supplement their incomes when traditional jobs are unavailable? "Consider becoming a professional tour director," says Ted Bravos, CEO of International Tour Management Institute (ITMI). "Even during these uncertain times, travel and tour companies are seeking qualified people. Boomers possess the life experience and maturity that makes them terrific tour directors."

In the USA alone, the travel industry creates over 17 million jobs and produces more than $740 billion in annual revenue. (Source: U.S. Travel Association). Travel and tourism remain among the top revenue producing industries in the world.

Professional tour directors earn an average of $150 to $350 per day plus all expense paid trips. And, it does not matter where the tour director lives, because many tour companies pay for travel from their home to the tour destination and back. Tour directors can determine how many days each year they wish to work and which areas of the country or the world they wish to experience.

Many ITMI boomer alumni like Jerry Flavin have found rewarding encore careers as tour directors. Jerry enthusiastically states: "I can only say that the change from a legal career to a career in travel and tourism has been a boost to my retirement years. The fact that I am dealing with people from all over the world is stimulating, educational and rewarding. I am so happy I developed this career change, and now I can be an instrument of peace."

Since its inception in 1976, ITMI has launched thousands of travel careers. As the first certified professional tour directing program in America, ITMI alumni are sought after by major tour operators such as Adventures by Disney, Australian Pacific Touring, Globus & Cosmos, Tauck World Discovery and Princess Cruise Lines, to name but a few.

What does a tour director do? Tour directors represent the travel organizer for whom they work. They prepare commentaries and briefings about each area and are prepared to answer commonly asked questions and deal with everyday problem solving. Most importantly, they relate well to people. They set the tone and ensure that participants enjoy themselves.

How can someone become a professional tour director? By enrolling in ITMI's certified program, students learn all aspects of tour directing in two short weeks. Because over 60% of the program is conducted in the field, participants receive the intensive real-world experience, which prepares them for paid assignments immediately upon graduation. Individual strategy sessions, held after course completion, help students identify their immediate and long term objectives, and allow ITMI staff to determine which tour operators will best meet their goals. ITMI's instructors also help students with resume preparation and assist them in arranging interviews with prospective employers. Many graduates secure their first assignment within a few weeks after course completion.