Tour Director

Xanterra Travel Collection•Eau Claire, WI

10d

About The Position

Tour Directors are Holiday Vacations’ on-the-ground leaders and guests’ primary guides and points of contact, from the first welcome through the final farewell. They bring destinations to life through engaging storytelling, keep itineraries running smoothly, solve problems calmly and independently, and help guests feel welcomed, supported, and valued. They also keep timecards, expenses, and tour paperwork accurate and organized. The role includes pre-tour preparation, leading and managing tours across destinations in the United States and internationally, handling guest and supplier communications, making on-site decisions, responding to incidents under established emergency protocols, and submitting administrative documentation. Pre- and post-tour work is performed remotely. Tour Directors average four to six tours per season, with most tours lasting 9 to 14 days. This is an intermittent position, and there may be extended periods outside the season without assigned tours. Tour Directors must be domiciled in one of the listed states and be available for assignments from the annual May Tour Director Summit through the end of October.

Requirements

Prior Tour Director experience or graduation from a professional Tour Director school.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to make sound decisions independently and under pressure.
Engaging storytelling and presentation skills, with comfort speaking to groups for extended periods.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including active listening.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Teams, independent troubleshooting, and the ability to adapt quickly to new systems.
Ability to legally travel and work domestically and internationally.
Complete the full training program during the first season.
Attend the annual Tour Director Summit held each May.
Be available for tour assignments from the Tour Director Summit through the end of October.
Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and complete other required safety training.
Have a valid passport.
Be domiciled in one of the following states: AR, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, LA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NV, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, or WI.
Meet the physical requirements of standing and walking at a brisk pace for extended periods; sitting for extended periods, frequently 8 or more hours per day, in close quarters; speaking frequently and continuously during tour days; bending, twisting, stooping, grasping, and reaching outward or above the shoulders; and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Dayforce and Concur.

Responsibilities

Lead tours from start to finish, taking ownership of on-tour delivery and creating a safe, smooth, and memorable guest experience.
Research and deliver engaging, accurate commentary on the history, geography, and culture of destinations.
Communicate daily plans and expectations, answer guest questions, suggest optional leisure-time activities, and foster community within the group.
Review contracts, itineraries, and tour documents; confirm reservations; and conduct pre-tour calls with guests.
Attend pre-tour briefings and complete required pre-work beforehand.
Manage on-the-ground logistics, including transportation, hotels, meals, attractions, check-ins, and departures, and account for all guests at every stop.
Make on-site decisions, resolve travel issues independently, and adjust plans for weather, delays, or closures.
Respond to incidents using established emergency protocols and promptly contact the home office about emergencies or situations requiring a company decision.
Communicate professionally with guests, suppliers, and vendors.
Share tour changes and updates promptly through the HV Traveler’s app and other approved methods, and contact the home office through designated channels.
Provide post-tour evaluations and participate in debriefings to help improve itineraries and the guest experience.
Submit accurate timecards, expense reports, and required tour documentation by established deadlines.
Use Holiday Vacations technology tools, including a company-issued iPad, Microsoft 365, the HV Traveler’s app, and electronic expense and reporting systems.
Follow company policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook and Tour Director training.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) medical plan
International medical insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pet insurance
Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
IATAN membership
Travel discounts with Holiday Vacations and sister travel companies
Comprehensive Tour Director training, with paid attendance and travel to the annual Tour Director Summit
CPR certification paid for or provided by Holiday Vacations
Tip eligibility