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Tour Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Henderson, KY · On-site

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Clarkston, WA

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Pasco, WA · On-site

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Hannibal, MO

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Tunica, MS

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

La Crosse, WI

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Maysville, KY · On-site

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Belfast, ME

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Vidalia, LA · On-site

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Bourne, MA

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Pasco, WA

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Davenport, IA

As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer ... Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred. * Significant experience in hospitality ...

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Tour Director information

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How much do tour director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour director in the United States is $25.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tour Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tour Director, you need in-depth knowledge of travel destinations, strong organizational skills, and experience in group management, often supported by a background in hospitality or tourism. Familiarity with itinerary planning software, reservation systems, and sometimes first aid certification is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help you engage travelers and handle unexpected situations. These capabilities ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for clients and efficient handling of logistics and challenges during tours.

What Is a Tour Director?

A tour director, or tour manager, organizes and executes group tours for travel companies or on-site at tourist attractions. The responsibilities of a tour director may include coordinating travel itineraries and routes, facilitating customer communication, and managing tour guides and drivers. Other job duties include selling travel packages and inspecting tour vehicles before and after expeditions.

What are some common challenges Tour Directors face during group tours and how can they be managed?

Tour Directors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, handling unexpected changes to itineraries, and addressing individual guest concerns while keeping the tour on schedule. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for navigating these situations. Building rapport with travelers and local partners, as well as having contingency plans in place, can help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

What are Tour Directors?

Tour Directors are professionals responsible for managing and leading tour groups, ensuring that clients have an enjoyable and organized travel experience. They coordinate logistics such as transportation, accommodations, and activities, while also providing information about destinations and handling any issues that arise during the trip. Tour Directors act as the main point of contact for travelers, making sure itineraries run smoothly and guests are satisfied throughout the journey.

What is the difference between Tour Director vs Tour Guide?

AspectTour DirectorTour Guide
CredentialsMay require travel or hospitality certificationsOften requires licensing or guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentCoordinates entire tour, manages logistics, interacts with groupsProvides commentary, leads sightseeing, interacts with individual tourists
Employer & IndustryTour companies, travel agencies, cruise linesTour companies, museums, historical sites

While both roles involve guiding tourists, a Tour Director manages the overall tour experience, logistics, and group coordination, often working behind the scenes. A Tour Guide focuses on providing information and leading sightseeing activities at specific sites. Both roles require guiding certifications, but the Tour Director's responsibilities are broader, encompassing the entire tour operation.

More about Tour Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Tour Director jobs? Cities with the most Tour Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tour jobs? The most popular types of Tour jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Tour Director jobs? The top employers for Tour Director jobs are:
What states have the most Tour Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Tour Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tour Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tour Director jobs are:
Tour Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tour Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,125 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Travel Director

Travel Director

American Cruise Lines

Henderson, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks
American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for engaging guests in each destination through a series of explorations and adventures throughout the National Parks. As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer operations, and brand ambassadorship & representation. The Travel Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere while always engaging guests and socializing throughout the land exploration.
This role has a very high level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with extraordinarily polished communications & social skills, a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Available Regions:
  • National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary: Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Northwest National Parks: Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park
  • Alaska National Parks

Responsibilities:
  • Lead guests through their daily National Parks explorations while acting as a company representative and brand ambassador.
  • Provide narration and commentary throughout the National Parks, giving accurate and relevant information and facts about the parks, history, nature, and wildlife.
  • Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity levels.
  • Create daily programs to give to guests to explain what each day entails.
  • Create and execute entertainment, such as trivia and games, on board the motorcoach.
  • Assist guests with minor medical attention.
  • Accommodate all reasonable guest requests.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity.
  • Communicate with home office frequently, including completing weekly reports, relaying information about early guest departures (if applicable), or changes in schedule/plans.
  • Prepare materials for turnaround day.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, and guides and send feedback to home office.
  • Candidates will be required to work onboard as an Excursions Director for 4-6 weeks prior to their assignment as a Tour Director in order to become fully assimilated with the company and onboard operations.

Attributes for Success:
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Superior time management.
  • Ability to manage and solve problems.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
  • Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred.
  • Significant experience in hospitality, tourism, and/or event management.
  • Strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 6-8 weeks working / 1-2 weeks off.
  • 7 days per week while working.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12-14 hours per day, and be on call at all times for any guest emergencies.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an emergency including:
    • Assisting with minor medical issues, including altitude sickness or minor injuries.
    • Identify and arrange medical assistance in remote areas.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to walk around 10 miles at high altitude, sometimes up to 7600 ft, in various types of terrain and weather conditions.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
  • Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
  • Ability to live and work in a constantly moving environment, including changing hotels every 2-3 nights.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training from industry experts.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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