KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

2.1 Tour Guide Roles & Responsibilities
2.1.1 The importance of the tour guide
Tour guides are important to Palau and Koror State in many ways. They are an
irreplaceable part of the tourism industry, because they interact directly with tourists who
generate a large part of Palau’s economy and play a direct role in determining how
interesting, educational, safe and fun the tourist’s experience in Palau will be. While you
are guiding in Palau remember to show respect to other guides working along side you,
regardless of race or gender. Show respect to the weather and the ocean, but most of all
respect our unique natural environment for future generations.
Tour guides have an impact on the behavior of tourists in Palau because of the intimate
role they play. Tourists take their cues on acceptable behavior from their guides. If a
tour guide behaves poorly, such as taking organisms from the reef or damaging the reef
through improper dive etiquette, the tourist will likewise behave poorly and leave behind
scars that mark their vacation in Palau. Tour guides that promote good dive etiquette
and properly brief their clients before each dive will help preserve the beautiful marine
life that tourists come to see. Tour guides are critically important to the conservation of
the Rock Islands and Southern Lagoon Area. Apart from helping moderate the
destructive behaviors of tourists, guides are present more than almost anyone else in
the conservation areas. Guides can report on illegal activities in the area and monitor
the status of the marine resources that they see nearly every day. By participating in the
preservation of those resources, the tour guides help ensure that Palau retains the
healthy marine environment which draws tourists here year after year.
2.1.2 Roles of the tour guide
The tour guide has a few major roles to fulfill while he or she is getting paid to showcase
the natural attractions the tourists are here to see. The Guide has to provide an
interesting, educational, safe and fun experience for the tourists. On top of that, the tour
guide needs to ensure that the tour doesn’t cause damage to the environment the tourist
are here to see. In order to do this, the tour guide is responsible to do the following:
• Research and collect data and information about Palau’s natural, cultural and
human resources, history, popular destinations, anticipate questions and be
prepared to accurately answer any questions asked by guests.
• Know local, common, and scientific names of common marine and terrestrial
organisms.
• Be familiar with Koror State regulations, and be able to brief tourist on restrictions.
• Be able to give appropriate instructions on the use of the reef hook.
• Demonstrate appropriate dive etiquette and be able to explain what not to do while
diving or snorkeling in Palau.
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