BMCC 2008 Switzerland Blog

Written by: Mark Villanueva and Elliott Williams

During the weeks prior to the departure for TTA 100, Summer Study Abroad in Switzerland, Dr. Garely and Prof. Blake-Neis prepared students for studying abroad by conducting several Tour Management workshops. These workshops ran from April 16, 2008 – May 28, 2008 for “Introduction to Blogging 101″, Behind the Scenes tour at the Tudor Hotel (May 2, 2008), Behind the Scenes tour of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (May 9, 2008), International Travel Training (via email), presentation by Sheila Evans, a licensed NY Tour Guide who discussed the roles and responsibilities of tour guides, the importance of time management and career opportunities in the field (May 28, 2008).

In addition, the students did extensive research on careers in tour management, tour guiding requirements and the impact of tourism on New York City.

New York City is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world, attracting over 40 million visitors a year. New York City is filled with many attractions and unique opportunities, which makes it easy to plan for a new adventure each and every day.

As a tourist, coming to New York is more than just a trip or a visit, it is an experience. New York has so much to see and offer in one day, that it can be fascinating yet overwhelming: however, having a Tour Guide can easily be the key to experiencing this city at ease. To be a Tour Guide in New York City is to have more than just lived in the city and know where to buy a cup of coffee, see a Broadway play or the address of the Museum of Modern Art, it is to know the history of the city, the different cultures, and the truth to why this is the city that never sleeps. Tour guiding is a vital part of New York and creates an indelible impact to the city. As a career, Tour guiding is fascinating and allows you to interact with so many different people that you’re bound to learn and experience something new every day.

A Tour Guide is a person who first identifies the interest of the visitor and then plans the things to see and do that will expand these passions.

It is not easy to become a Tour Guide in New York City as this profession requires a license from the City of New York’s Department of Consumer Affairs. In order to get the Sightseeing Guide License you are required to take the Professional Licensing Examination of New York City Sightseeing Guides. The exam consists of 150 questions that focus primarily on Manhattan but the test also includes questions on the other five boroughs as well. In order to pass you must receive an overall score of 97 correct answers. The Department of Consumer Affairs recommends studying for the exam by listing a few recommendations, such as the Blue Guide New York by Carol von Pressentin which is a general guide on New York and is very comprehensive and helpful.

Tour guiding as a career is a wonderful profession in general, but in New York it is even more wonderful. I think it will be very rewarding because it will teach me new things and allow me to explore new places. Tour guiding will enable me to discover and learn so much, making me a well rounded and knowledgeable person. The more I learn and experience, the more I can share with visitors so they can make the most of their visit.

Once a Tour Guide is licensed he/she is making a positive impact on the City, contributing to its economic success. Tour Guides provide income to the City by taking its visitors to attractions, restaurants, night clubs, museums, sports events and concerts, as well as small boutiques and major department stores for shopping. Tour guiding provides opportunities for businesses in the City to flourish – because the tourist now knows that attraction, shop, sculptor or artist “exist” – making Tour Guiding the perfect position to discover the new and unique and help these businesses to succeed.

The impact of tourism was clearly visible after the unfortunate events of September 11. The City reeled from the attack and tourists stopped coming: The economy of the city suffered. When the tourist came back, Tour Guides were available to show-off the wonder that is NY – in spite of the disaster. To be a Tour Guide in New York City is to show people a City of great strength and character.

TTA 100 in Switzerland has enabled me to crystallize my dream, and has provided a path that will lead me to a very successful and lucrative career.