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What Does a Tour Manager Do?

Find out what a Tour Manager does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Tour Manager.

tour manager job education

The Tour Manager serves as the linchpin in ensuring the smooth operation of tours, from planning stages through to execution. This role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including logistical coordination, financial management, and acting as a point of contact for both the touring party and external entities. By maintaining a clear line of communication and addressing any arising issues promptly, the Tour Manager ensures that each aspect of the tour aligns with the overarching goals and expectations. Their expertise not only in planning but also in problem-solving facilitates a seamless experience for all involved, making them an indispensable part of any touring team.

Tour Manager Job Duties

  • Coordinate travel logistics, including booking flights, arranging ground transportation, and securing accommodations for all tour members.
  • Develop and manage the tour budget, ensuring all expenses stay within the allocated funds and handling any financial discrepancies that arise.
  • Liaise with venue managers to schedule performances, negotiate contracts, and ensure technical and rider requirements are met for each show.
  • Oversee the daily schedule, making sure all tour members are informed of the itinerary, soundcheck times, performance times, and any media commitments.
  • Handle any emergencies or unexpected issues that arise during the tour, such as medical emergencies, equipment failures, or travel disruptions.
  • Facilitate communication between the tour crew, band members, and external parties such as promoters, sponsors, and media representatives.
  • Ensure the well-being of the tour group by monitoring workloads, stress levels, and interpersonal dynamics to maintain a positive and productive environment.
  • Collect and manage merchandise sales at shows, including inventory tracking, sales reconciliation, and financial reporting to stakeholders.

Tour Manager Salary & Outlook

Factors influencing a Tour Manager’s salary include the size and popularity of the touring act, the complexity and duration of tours, the manager’s experience and proven success in the role, and the specific demands of the tour, such as international travel or managing large crews. Negotiation skills also play a crucial role.

  • Median Annual Salary: $49,350 ($23.73/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $94,500 ($45.43/hour)

The employment of tour managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing global travel demand, a rising interest in unique, personalized experiences, and the expansion of the entertainment industry, requiring skilled professionals to manage tours, ensure smooth operations, and enhance visitor satisfaction across diverse cultural and geographical landscapes.

Tour Manager Job Requirements

Education: A Tour Manager typically has a diverse educational background, with many having completed some college courses, often in fields like tourism, hospitality, or business management. High school diploma holders also enter this field, leveraging subjects like geography, history, and languages. Those with Bachelor’s or Associate’s degrees usually major in travel, tourism management, or related disciplines, focusing on courses that enhance their understanding of global cultures, customer service, and logistical planning.

Experience: Tour Managers often start with varied levels of experience, ranging from none to a solid foundation of several months. Key areas of expertise include customer service, event planning, and logistics management. On-the-job training is common, allowing newcomers to learn directly from seasoned professionals. Training programs may also be available, focusing on communication skills, safety protocols, and itinerary planning. A blend of hands-on experience and formal training prepares individuals for the multifaceted responsibilities of guiding tours and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for Tour Managers. However, a valid driver’s license may be necessary if driving is part of the job duties. In some regions, a Tour Guide License is required to lead tours in certain historical or protected sites. First Aid and CPR certifications are beneficial for safety reasons.

Tour Manager Skills

Itinerary Planning: Tour managers meticulously map out each step of the journey, ensuring a balance between travel logistics and engaging experiences. They coordinate transportation, accommodations, activities, and dining, while remaining adaptable to unforeseen changes or opportunities that could enhance the tour’s value.

Budget Management: Allocating funds efficiently across various aspects of a tour, from transportation to emergency expenses, is crucial for a smooth and cost-effective operation. This skill involves detailed planning and constant monitoring to adapt to unexpected changes without compromising the tour experience.

Contract Negotiation: Securing favorable terms with vendors, venues, and artists through effective negotiation ensures financial efficiency and smooth event execution. A keen eye for detail and the ability to anticipate potential challenges are essential for managing risks and maximizing opportunities.

Crisis Management: Handling unexpected events, such as sudden weather changes or health emergencies, with quick thinking and effective communication ensures minimal disruption to the itinerary. Making informed decisions under pressure is critical for protecting the travelers’ experience and the tour company’s reputation.

Artist Liaison: Smooth communication and coordination between artists and venue staff are achieved through diplomacy and problem-solving. Planning and executing all logistical aspects of the artist’s needs, from accommodation to technical requirements, are vital for a seamless performance experience.

Merchandise Logistics: Coordinating the transportation, storage, and sale of band merchandise at various tour stops requires attention to detail and organizational skills. Ensuring products are available at the right place and time maximizes revenue opportunities while minimizing logistical challenges.

Tour Manager Work Environment

A Tour Manager’s work environment is dynamic, often changing with each tour location. Their workspace is wherever the tour is, from buses and vans to hotels and backstage areas at venues. They rely heavily on mobile devices and laptops to stay organized, communicate with team members, and handle logistics.

Work hours are irregular, with evenings, weekends, and holidays being common times for events. This necessitates a flexible approach to personal time and a wardrobe that can transition from casual during travel to professional at events.

The social environment is team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication. Tour Managers frequently interact with a wide range of individuals including artists, venue staff, and fans, requiring excellent interpersonal skills.

Travel is a significant component, leading to a high-paced work environment that can be both exciting and exhausting. Despite the challenges, the role offers unique experiences and opportunities for professional growth within the entertainment industry.

Advancement Prospects

Tour Managers can advance their careers by transitioning into roles with larger tour companies or artists, aiming for positions that handle more prestigious and high-profile tours. This often involves taking on international tours, which require a deeper understanding of global logistics and cultural nuances.

Another path is moving into tour planning and strategy, focusing on the design and execution of tours from a higher-level perspective. This could lead to roles such as Tour Director or even into event management, where skills in logistics, people management, and creativity are highly valued.

For those with a knack for the business side, advancing into tour production or becoming a Tour Producer offers a blend of financial planning, marketing, and operational management. This requires a strong understanding of budgeting, contract negotiation, and marketing strategies specific to the entertainment and tourism industries.

Achieving these advancements typically involves gaining extensive hands-on experience, building a robust portfolio of successful tours, and developing a deep network within the music, entertainment, and travel sectors. Demonstrating leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex projects under pressure are crucial.

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Tour Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

tour manager job education

In the world of tourism, the importance of tour managers has never been more significant.

As travel and tourism evolve, so does the need for skilled individuals who can plan, manage, and enhance our travel experiences.

But what exactly is expected from a tour manager?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of the travel industry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a fully adaptable tour manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Tour Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Tour Managers oversee and coordinate all aspects of travel for a specific group or individual, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience.

They handle everything from logistical planning to the on-ground management of the tour.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Planning, organizing, and conducting long distance travel, tours, and activities for groups or individuals
  • Coordinating travel logistics, including transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment
  • Communicating with travel agents, airlines, hotels, and local travel service providers to ensure smooth travel arrangements
  • Providing detailed itineraries and travel information to tourists, ensuring they are informed about their trip details and schedules
  • Handling unforeseen problems and complaints and determining eligibility for money returns
  • Ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all travelers by attending to their needs and resolving any conflicts or issues that arise
  • Overseeing the financial aspects of the tour, including budget planning and expenses tracking
  • Conducting educational or informative talks about the tour destination, including historical, cultural, or scientific insights
  • Maintaining a strong professional relationship with vendors and service providers

Tour Manager Job Description Template

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Tour Manager to plan, organize and execute tours.

Your responsibilities will include coordinating transportation and accommodations, managing staff, and handling any issues or emergencies that arise.

You will also manage the tour budget, keep detailed financial records, and negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers.

Our ideal candidate is an excellent problem solver with a deep understanding of event planning and logistics.

You should also have strong leadership skills and be able to handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism.

Ultimately, the role of the Tour Manager is to ensure all tours run smoothly and guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and organize tours, including transportation and accommodations
  • Manage tour staff and coordinate their schedules
  • Handle any issues or emergencies that arise during the tour
  • Manage the tour budget and keep detailed financial records
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers
  • Ensure all guests have a positive and memorable experience
  • Handle all logistics and operational details of the tour
  • Communicate effectively with staff, vendors, and guests
  • Adhere to all company policies and regulations

Qualifications

  • Proven work experience as a Tour Manager or similar role
  • Excellent problem-solving and leadership skills
  • Strong organizational and planning skills
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism
  • Knowledge of budgeting, bookkeeping and reporting
  • Proficiency in MS Office and tour management software
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Availability to travel as needed
  • Relevant certification or degree in Tourism or Hospitality is preferred
  • Travel allowance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Tour Manager
  • Work Environment: Varies based on tour. Travel is required.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Tour Manager Do?

Tour Managers are responsible for coordinating and organizing tours across different locations for a group of travelers.

They may work for travel agencies, hospitality companies, or may be self-employed.

Their primary role involves planning detailed itineraries, selecting suitable transportation and accommodation, arranging tickets for various destinations, and ensuring that the tour stays within the budget.

Tour Managers also accompany the group throughout the tour to manage any issues that may arise.

They serve as a bridge between the tour group and various service providers such as hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.

They are often tasked with providing information about various destinations, narrating historical or cultural facts, and managing any emergencies or unexpected situations that might occur during the tour.

Their main goal is to ensure the tour operates smoothly, and that the tourists have a memorable, enjoyable, and safe travel experience.

In addition, Tour Managers may also be responsible for marketing and selling tour packages, negotiating with service providers, and handling administrative tasks such as booking confirmations and payment processing.

Tour Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Tour Manager should have a variety of skills and qualifications to ensure smooth and successful travel experiences, such as:

  • Excellent organizational skills to plan and implement tour schedules, manage accommodations, and arrange for transportation
  • Strong communication skills to clearly convey information about travel plans, tour details, and cultural norms to tourists
  • Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a diverse group of tourists, build rapport, and handle any interpersonal issues that might arise
  • Problem-solving skills to identify and address any issues or challenges that might arise during the tour, such as changes in schedule, transportation issues, or tourist complaints
  • Knowledge of the tourism industry and various travel destinations to provide insightful and enjoyable experiences for tourists
  • Customer service skills to ensure that tourists feel valued and satisfied with their tour experiences
  • Crisis management skills to handle emergencies or unexpected events in a calm and efficient manner
  • Physical stamina as the job may require long hours of standing, walking, or traveling

Tour Manager Experience Requirements

Tour Managers typically have a background in tourism, hospitality, or a related field, often obtained through a degree program or relevant coursework.

This provides them with foundational knowledge in travel coordination, logistics, and customer service.

In terms of practical experience, entry-level tour manager candidates often have 1 to 2 years of experience in the travel or hospitality industry.

This could be through internships, part-time roles, or full-time positions such as tour guide, travel agent, or hotel staff.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have more in-depth knowledge of travel planning, coordination, and customer service.

They may have previously worked in roles such as travel consultant, events coordinator, or even as an assistant tour manager.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have solid leadership and management skills, often gained through roles that required team supervision, crisis management, and strategic decision-making.

These candidates are often ready for more challenging roles as a Senior Tour Manager or Director of Tours.

In addition to the years of experience, fluency in multiple languages, excellent communication skills, and a passion for travel are often highly desirable traits for a Tour Manager.

Tour Manager Education and Training Requirements

Tour Managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality Management or a related field.

They need to have extensive knowledge of various travel destinations, the tourism industry, and customer service skills.

Some positions may also require fluency in multiple languages, especially in international tourism.

Practical experience in the travel industry, such as working for a travel agency or hotel, is often considered crucial.

This is usually obtained through internships or entry-level positions.

There are also numerous certification programs available for those wanting to specialize in specific areas of travel and tourism, such as sustainable tourism or adventure tourism.

While not necessarily required, possessing a master’s degree in Tourism or Business Management can provide an advantage, especially for those seeking leadership positions.

Continuing education and staying current with trends and developments in the tourism industry is vital for career advancement.

This may involve attending industry seminars, workshops, or related courses.

Tour Manager Salary Expectations

A Tour Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may differ depending on the level of experience, the scale of tours managed, and the location of work.

In addition, the salary could be augmented by bonuses or commissions based on the success of the tours managed.

Tour Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a tour manager need.

A Tour Manager should possess strong organizational and planning skills to coordinate all aspects of a tour.

Excellent communication and people skills are also required as they need to liaise with various parties such as tour guides, travel agencies, and guests.

Good problem-solving abilities are necessary to handle any unexpected issues that may arise during the tour.

A Tour Manager should also have a good understanding of the tourism industry and destinations they manage.

Do Tour Managers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, having a degree in travel, tourism, hospitality management, or a related field can be advantageous.

Many Tour Managers also have previous experience in the travel and tourism industry.

It is also important for a Tour Manager to have a valid driver’s license and often, knowledge of multiple languages.

What should you look for in a Tour Manager resume?

When reviewing a Tour Manager’s resume, look for previous experience in the tourism industry or in a role that required organization and coordination of events or activities.

Proficiency in multiple languages, leadership skills, and a good understanding of customer service are also important.

The resume should also reflect the individual’s passion for travel and ability to handle stressful situations.

What qualities make a good Tour Manager?

A good Tour Manager is someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of multitasking.

They need excellent interpersonal skills to deal with diverse groups of people and should be able to handle any crisis or emergency calmly and effectively.

They should also have a passion for travel and a deep knowledge of the areas they’re overseeing.

Is it difficult to hire a Tour Manager?

Hiring a Tour Manager can be challenging as the role requires a unique blend of skills, including leadership, organization, customer service, and a broad knowledge of travel and tourism.

In addition, a good Tour Manager should have the ability to handle crisis situations, be a good problem solver, and be adaptable to changing circumstances.

As such, finding a candidate with all these qualifications can be a demanding task.

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken you on an insightful journey into what it truly means to be a tour manager .

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about planning trips.

It’s about orchestrating unforgettable travel experiences, one destination at a time.

With our definitive tour manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to take the plunge.

But why limit your horizons?

Explore further with our job description generator . It’s your go-to resource for precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Every destination is a part of the larger journey.

Let’s craft those experiences. Together.

Reasons to Become a Tour Manager (Experience Different Cultures)

How to Become a Tour Manager (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Tour Manager (Surviving Stressful Situations)

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tour manager job education

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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Becoming a Tour Manager: A Comprehensive Guide

Huzzle Author Charlie

If you have a passion for travel, love organizing events, and enjoy working with people from different backgrounds, a career as a tour manager might be the perfect fit for you. As a tour manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of tours, providing an unforgettable experience for travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of becoming a tour manager, from understanding the responsibilities to tips for career advancement. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Role of a Tour Manager

As a tour manager, you will be responsible for overseeing every aspect of a tour, from the planning and organization to the execution and completion. Your primary goal is to ensure that travelers have a memorable and enjoyable experience throughout the journey.

Imagine yourself standing in a bustling airport, surrounded by excited travelers ready to embark on their adventure. As a tour manager, you will be the guiding force behind their journey, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. From the moment they step off the plane to the final farewell, you will be there, orchestrating every detail.

But what exactly does it mean to be a tour manager? Let's dive deeper into the key responsibilities and skills required for this exciting role.

Key Responsibilities of a Tour Manager

As a tour manager, you will wear many hats. Some of your key responsibilities include:

  • Managing logistics, such as transportation, accommodations, and meals
  • Organizing sightseeing activities and excursions
  • Providing information and assistance to travelers
  • Handling emergencies and resolving any issues that may arise
  • Building relationships with local service providers and suppliers

Imagine yourself navigating the labyrinthine streets of a foreign city, ensuring that the tour group arrives at their hotel safely and on time. You will be the mastermind behind the seamless coordination of transportation, making sure that everyone travels comfortably and efficiently. From arranging luxurious accommodations to selecting delectable meals that cater to various dietary preferences, you will be the architect of a truly unforgettable experience.

But it doesn't stop there. As a tour manager, you will also be the storyteller, weaving together fascinating historical and cultural narratives as you guide the group through iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Your knowledge and passion for the destinations will shine through as you share captivating stories and insider tips, making the journey come alive.

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. As the tour manager, you will be the problem-solver, ready to tackle any unexpected hurdles that may arise. From lost luggage to unforeseen weather conditions, you will think on your feet and find creative solutions to ensure that the tour continues smoothly.

Furthermore, building strong relationships with local service providers and suppliers is crucial. Your ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures will not only enhance the tour experience but also create lasting partnerships that benefit both the travelers and the local communities.

Skills Required for the Job

To be an effective tour manager, you need a combination of hard and soft skills . Here are some of the key skills required:

  • Excellent organizational skills: You will be juggling multiple tasks and deadlines, so the ability to stay organized is crucial.
  • Strong communication skills: You will be interacting with travelers, service providers, and fellow team members, so effective communication is essential.
  • Cultural sensitivity: You will work with people from diverse backgrounds, so being open-minded and respectful of different cultures is essential.
  • Problem-solving abilities: As the tour manager, you will need to think on your feet and find solutions to unexpected challenges.

Imagine yourself effortlessly managing a complex itinerary, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Your organizational skills will be put to the test as you coordinate transportation, accommodations, and activities, all while ensuring that everything aligns seamlessly.

Effective communication will be your superpower. From providing clear instructions to the tour group to negotiating with local service providers, your ability to convey information and build rapport will be essential in creating a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Cultural sensitivity is not just a skill, but a mindset. As a tour manager, you will have the privilege of immersing yourself in different cultures and interacting with people from all walks of life. Your openness and respect for diversity will foster meaningful connections and create a welcoming environment for travelers from around the world.

Finally, problem-solving will be your daily adventure. Whether it's rearranging an itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances or finding an alternative activity when faced with unexpected closures, your ability to think creatively and adapt quickly will ensure that the tour remains a seamless and unforgettable experience.

These skills can be developed through education and hands-on experience. Let's explore the path to becoming a tour manager.

The Path to Becoming a Tour Manager

Are you passionate about travel and have a knack for organizing and managing events ? If so, a career as a tour manager might be the perfect fit for you. In this expanding industry, tour managers play a vital role in ensuring that travelers have a seamless and enjoyable experience. While a specific degree is not always required to become a tour manager, there are certain educational and experiential steps you can take to increase your chances of success.

Educational Background

While a degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a tour manager, having a background in hospitality , tourism, or event management can give you a competitive edge. Many universities and colleges in the UK offer courses specializing in these areas. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry, covering topics such as customer service, marketing, logistics, and event planning. By enrolling in these courses, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills that will be directly applicable to your future career as a tour manager.

Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry can provide valuable insights and help you build a solid foundation for your career as a tour manager. Working in hotels, travel agencies, or event planning companies can expose you to the inner workings of the industry and give you a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that tour managers face on a daily basis.

Gaining Relevant Experience

Experience is key in the tour management industry. While formal education can provide you with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical experience is what will set you apart from the competition. Consider starting your career by working as an assistant tour manager or volunteering for local tour providers. These opportunities will allow you to learn the ropes, make connections, and gain firsthand experience in tour operations.

Networking is also crucial in the industry. Attend career events, join professional organizations, and connect with experienced tour managers to expand your network and learn from their insights. Building relationships with industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable mentorship as you navigate your career as a tour manager.

Furthermore, staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments is essential for tour managers. The tourism industry is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay informed about new destinations, emerging travel trends, and technological advancements that can enhance the tour experience. By continuously learning and adapting, you can ensure that you are offering the best possible service to your clients.

In conclusion, while there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a tour manager, a combination of education, practical experience, and networking can greatly increase your chances of success in this exciting and dynamic field. By investing in your education, gaining relevant experience, and building a strong professional network , you can embark on a fulfilling career as a tour manager and help create unforgettable travel experiences for your clients.

The Tour Management Industry

Overview of the industry.

The tour management industry is thriving in the UK, with a wide range of tour operators catering to different niches and interests. From luxury tours to adventure travel, cultural experiences to culinary delights, there is a tour for every traveler.

Moreover, the UK's rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers. The country's diverse offerings, including medieval castles, picturesque countryside, and world-class museums, provide ample opportunities for tour managers to showcase their skills and create unique itineraries.

For history enthusiasts, there are guided tours that delve into the fascinating stories behind iconic landmarks like Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Nature lovers can explore the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District or the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Meanwhile, foodies can indulge in culinary tours that take them on a gastronomic journey through local markets, traditional pubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

The tour management industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of travelers. In order to stay competitive, tour managers need to stay updated with the latest trends and incorporate them into their tours. Some of the current trends in the industry include:

  • Customized and personalized itineraries: Travelers are seeking unique experiences tailored to their interests and preferences. Tour managers can offer personalized itineraries that cater to specific hobbies, such as photography, birdwatching, or wine tasting.
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly tours: With growing concerns about the environment, travelers are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint. Tour managers can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their tours, such as promoting public transportation, supporting local communities , and partnering with sustainable accommodations.
  • Integration of technology for a seamless travel experience: Technology has revolutionized the way we travel. Tour managers can leverage technology to enhance the overall travel experience, from online booking platforms and mobile apps for real-time updates to virtual reality tours that allow travelers to explore destinations before their trip.
  • Authentic local experiences and immersive cultural activities: Travelers are seeking authentic experiences that allow them to connect with the local culture. Tour managers can organize activities like cooking classes, traditional music performances, or visits to local artisans, providing travelers with a deeper understanding of the destination.

By staying updated with these trends and incorporating them into their tours, tour managers can not only attract more clients but also provide memorable and enriching experiences for travelers. The future of the tour management industry looks promising, with an increasing demand for unique and immersive travel experiences. As travelers continue to seek out new adventures and cultural encounters, tour managers play a vital role in curating unforgettable journeys that leave a lasting impact.

Essential Tools for a Tour Manager

Being a tour manager requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and the right tools to ensure a successful and memorable experience for travelers. In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in streamlining operations and enhancing the overall traveler's experience. Let's explore some essential tools that every tour manager should consider incorporating into their workflow.

Technology in Tour Management

In recent years, technology has revolutionized the tour management industry, making it easier than ever to manage and organize tours efficiently. By embracing the right technological tools, tour managers can not only streamline their operations but also impress tech-savvy travelers who expect a seamless and immersive experience.

One essential tool for tour managers is online booking and reservation systems. These systems allow travelers to book their tours and make reservations conveniently and securely. By integrating such systems into their websites or platforms, tour managers can automate the booking process, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

Mobile apps have also become indispensable tools for tour managers. These apps provide a convenient way to communicate with travelers and provide real-time updates. Whether it's notifying travelers about changes in the itinerary, sharing important information, or answering their questions, mobile apps facilitate seamless communication and enhance the overall travel experience.

Virtual tour platforms have gained popularity, especially in recent times when travel restrictions have limited physical travel. These platforms allow tour managers to offer remote experiences, where travelers can explore destinations virtually. By incorporating virtual tour platforms into their offerings, tour managers can cater to a wider audience and provide unique experiences that transcend physical boundaries.

Social media and online marketing tools are also essential for tour managers. These tools enable tour managers to promote their tours, engage with potential customers, and build a strong online presence. By leveraging social media platforms and online marketing tools, tour managers can reach a broader audience and create a buzz around their tours.

Communication and Organizational Tools

Effective communication and organization are vital for tour managers to ensure smooth operations and deliver exceptional tours. Here are some tools that can help tour managers in this aspect:

Project management software is a valuable tool for tour managers to manage tasks and timelines efficiently. With project management software, tour managers can create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. This tool helps ensure that all aspects of the tour are well-coordinated and executed seamlessly.

Communication platforms play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration among team members and travelers. These platforms allow tour managers to communicate with their team in real-time, share important updates, and address any concerns or issues that may arise during the tour. By having a centralized communication platform, tour managers can ensure that everyone is on the same page and can respond promptly to any changes or emergencies.

Travel planning apps are another valuable tool for tour managers. These apps provide features such as itinerary management, document storage, and travel logistics. By using travel planning apps, tour managers can keep track of the tour itinerary, store important documents such as travel permits and visas, and manage travel logistics efficiently. This tool helps tour managers stay organized and ensures that all necessary information is readily accessible.

By incorporating these communication and organizational tools into their workflow, tour managers can enhance their efficiency, improve communication with their team and travelers, and ultimately deliver exceptional tours that leave a lasting impression.

Challenges and Rewards of Being a Tour Manager

Dealing with difficult situations.

Being a tour manager is not without its challenges. From flight cancellations to medical emergencies, unexpected situations can arise. However, being resourceful, staying calm under pressure, and having contingency plans in place can help you navigate these challenges.

The Satisfaction of a Successful Tour

Despite the challenges, the rewards of being a tour manager are immeasurable. The joy of seeing travelers' faces light up as they explore new destinations, the satisfaction of creating lifelong memories, and the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life make this career incredibly fulfilling.

Career Advancement Opportunities for Tour Managers

Further training and certifications.

To enhance your skills and advance your career, consider pursuing further training and certifications. These can include:

  • Professional certifications in event management or tourism
  • Language courses to broaden your communication abilities
  • Specialized training in specific types of tours, such as adventure or cultural tours

Investing in continuous learning and professional development will make you a sought-after tour manager and open doors to new opportunities.

Potential Career Paths and Progression

As a tour manager, there are various career paths and progression opportunities available to you. These can include:

  • Becoming a senior tour manager, overseeing multiple tours and managing a team
  • Branching out into tour consulting or starting your own tour company
  • Transitioning into related fields such as event management or hospitality management

By staying proactive, continuously improving your skills, and seizing opportunities, you can carve out a successful and fulfilling career as a tour manager.

Tips and Advice for Aspiring Tour Managers

Building a network in the industry.

Networking is key to success in the tour management industry. Attend career fairs, join professional associations, and connect with industry leaders to expand your network. Building relationships with fellow tour managers, suppliers, and potential clients can lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations.

Staying Updated and Continuous Learning

The tourism industry is dynamic, with ever-changing trends and customer preferences. Stay updated with the latest industry news, follow influential voices in the sector, and participate in workshops or seminars to broaden your knowledge. Continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve and make you a valuable asset in the industry.

Becoming a tour manager is an exciting and rewarding career choice. With the right skills, experience, and dedication, you can create unforgettable experiences for travelers and embark on a fulfilling journey in the world of tourism. So, start your adventure today and set your sights on a successful career as a tour manager.

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Tour Manager

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Who Is A Tour Manager?

A tour manager is a person who manages, organises, plans and arranges the sight-seeing, travelling and events-related activities for a group of people that visit a foreign country. As a tour manager, it will be your responsibility that a group of tourists have a great time in a city/designated location.

For example, you may have to prepare an agenda for a group of 20 families who visit Mumbai for the first time and are looking forward to an enjoyable stay in the city. As a tour manager, you would be responsible for organising tours, travel arrangements, snacking/dining options, and keep the tourists who you might be accompanying entertained.

Tour Manager

Roles & Responsibilities

Understanding the people who are a part of your tour on any particular day. For example, a group of families would want a different experience from a group of single couples. You must clearly understand the people well and plan accordingly.

Customising the tour according to your audience is another key responsibility of tour managers.

Planning the complete route, the dining options, the sight-seeing places, the gems of the city you are working in, and the rest stops and tourist destinations are critical. You will need to work out the entire plan in advance.

Creating an experience that appeals to the target audience is an essential part of the excursion. You will need to ensure that the particular needs of the tour group are met by your tour guide programme and plan.

Ensuring that you explain the entire plan accurately to your guests is a critical part of them having an enjoyable experience.

Making sure you’ve understood the individual needs of your guests, and carrying any medical supplies, support or equipment that will help your trip.

Communicating the tour details to your tour guests so they have a clear idea about what they are going to experience, and of any last-minute customisations that may be required.

Organising the tour and managing all aspects of it; making sure everything runs smoothly.

Taking constant care of your guests. For example, you will have to prioritise your guests’ comfort regularly checking if they need anything at all.

Ensuring the guests understand every destination and point of attraction well, so they better enjoy every experience.

Conversing with the guests to make them feel relaxed and comfortable.

Take the  Mentoria career assessment test , to find out how well-suited you are as a Tour Manager.

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What Skills Will I Need To Have To Do This Job Well?

As exciting as this sounds, there are some things you’ll need to learn to do the job right:

MANAGERIAL SKILLS

You need to have excellent management skills as there are so many moving parts that anything going wrong can move things ahead unexpectedly. For example, if a bus breaks down and you’re late to visit a particular destination by even an hour, the tourist spot may have closed for the day. This could lead to guests getting impatient and even angry. You will then need to take appropriate action to better manage the crisis.

DETAIL-ORIENTED

You have to be on top of all the activities and events that the group are to experience on a particular day. Everything from checking the weather to ensuring there are enough eatables on the bus. A detail-oriented approach will thus help. This key skill is what will separate beginners from the professionals.

LOCAL CITY KNOWLEDGE

Knowing if a particular temple or a local stage show would appeal to a guest is critical. You have to be well aware of the tiniest of details like the operational hours of a local tourist spot, nearest hygienic restaurants, popular destinations etc. You may otherwise not be able to hold your guest’s attention for long.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Proper communication is one of the most critical parts of the job. You need to be always on your toes, talking to your guests and be able to articulate to your guests. Poor communication or half-baked information can make it difficult for your guests to enjoy themselves.

Tour managers need to be always on to move. You need to be fit enough to be able to work long hours and walk long distances every day. Remember, it might be the first time visiting a famous landmark for your guests, but you’ll be doing it 2-3 times a day for months on end.

What Will My Workplace Look Like?

Your work life will vary, depending on where you work, your role and the scale of your job. As a tour manager, you’ll have to continually be on your toes and understand the places, events, and locations that are becoming popular with tourists. You’ll get to learn from other tour managers about how to deal with unexpected incidents, how to make sure the guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves and other aspects of a properly planned tour. If you’re a part of a larger organisation, then you’ll have sales quotas, attrition rate goals, as well as be incentivised on testimonials and/or repeat clients. The work setting will be a mix of both traditional (office and laptop) and non-traditional (long travel and sight-seeing).

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What Is My Scope For Career Growth As A Tour Manager?

As a fresher, you will need to begin as an intern or in a junior position at any travel company. You will be taken through the various processes and be taught how to best plan, organise, and execute a great tour guide for your guests. You’ll also get to learn how to best travel in a domestic or foreign city, pick up key skills mentioned earlier.

After having worked for a few years in the industry, you can then move on to learning about becoming a manager in the Tours and Travels space. You may be assigned teams to lead, and you may have targets to achieve under each location or tour-setting.

You may begin with handling 10-20 people groups, or working in simple and small locations. With consistent good performance, you may get a larger group of tourists to work with and at exotic locations to work.

With the skills you’ve learned on the job, you can grow further by moving up the ladder or even starting your own tour-guide company. You can start by talking to vendors, executioners and working directly with tourist locations and events to provide discounts to your clients and share profits with the players you associate with.

Thinking of a career as a Tour Manager?  Take the Mentoria assessment test  & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path. 

How Much Will I Get Paid?

The exact number will depend on where you’re working, your education, skill set and internship experience. We can give you a general idea. A tour manager can earn between INR 6,00,000 to 9,00,000 in India at a managerial/senior role. At the entry level, you can earn between INR 2,50,000 to 3,50,000.

Okay, I'm sold. This is amazing

Highschool_Junior College (4)_11zon

STEP 1: Class XI – XII/Junior College

At this level, learning the basics of communications, commerce or management will help. A keen interest in history is also recommended.

STEP 2: Entrance Exams

Depending on the course you pick, you might have to appear for entrance exams to pursue an undergraduate degree in your chosen field and university. These courses are usually offered by private schools, sometimes in affiliation with international universities. Hence, the admission criteria may vary widely.

Graduation (2)_11zon

STEP 3: Graduate Degree

You can choose to complete your graduation in Tour Management/BSc. These are usually 3-year diplomas or degrees, which can help you build a robust network as well be great learning opportunities for you.

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STEP 4: Corporate Training

You can undertake a corporate training programme under any major company’s travel admission programme, and pick up the necessary skills to impress the senior management. It’s a mix of on-the-job training and learning the bare bones of the industry, and it’s the preferred method of hiring for many travel agencies and companies.

STEP 5: Travel Often

You need to showcase your abilities as a local guide or an exotic traveller. This will require you to travel to unknown places, plan small holidays for friends and families, and even explore the depths of the city you’re working in.

tour manager job education

STEP 6: Apply for Jobs

With an internship under your belt, and having travelled across destinations, gaining some basic experience, you can now apply for jobs. You can seek help from your peers, online websites and social media platforms to find the companies you are interested in working at. Congratulations, you are now officially a Tour Manager!

Tour Collective

8 Keys to Becoming a Successful Tour Manager

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Managing tours can be wildly difficult. It’s not for the faint of heart.

The days and nights can be long, and it’s easy to become discouraged out on the road.

But if you follow a set of guiding principles, your job will become easier, people will respect you more, your team will achieve great results, and you’ll go farther in your career.

I’ve been a tour manager for the last 12 years, and I want to share with you 8 things that helped me succeed along the way.

1. Secure Your Job

First, it’s important to ​ secure your job ​.

I always tell young tour managers, “You can’t effectively take care of other people unless you take care of yourself first.”

And that starts the moment you get contacted about managing a tour.

You need to know exactly what you’re expected to do and how much you’re going to be compensated if you complete the job and do it well.

This concept of knowing how much you’ll be paid may seem elementary to you, but I’ve seen so many touring crew (including myself) get so caught up in how cool the job is that they forget to clarify how much money they’re going to make.

If you jump into managing a tour without first clarifying your job description and compensation, you’re setting yourself up for future disappointment and possible resentment - forcing you to regret working your dream job.

2. Learn the Artist’s Vision

The second key to becoming a successful tour manager is to ​ learn the artist’s vision for the tour.

You can better prepare for a tour when you know the overall vision.

This includes the whole touring process - travel styles, production, personnel, spending, culture, vibe, etc.

And I recommend learning all of this before you start doing any planning, budgeting or advancing.

When you learn the artist's vision, you’ll be able to make quick and easy decisions about what has to happen in order to execute each show.

Plus, you’ll be able to anticipate what your artist needs before they even realize they need it.

3. Communicate Well

The third key to becoming a successful tour manager is to always ​ communicate well ​. Great tour managers are great communicators. On the phone, over email, and in person.

There are three general guiding principles that I like to follow when communicating in my job: be quick, be concise, and be considerate.

These principles are especially important to remember while sending emails, but they also carry into other means of communication as well.

First, let’s talk about being ​ quick ​.

Respond quickly when someone reaches out to you.

We’re working in a fast paced, constantly changing industry and our communication should reflect that.

No, you don’t always have to be on your phone or in front of a computer, but don’t neglect your email or texts about an important subject.

The longer you wait to communicate about a problem, the bigger it can grow. Second, be ​ concise ​. Get to the point. Be direct.

You’re going to be very busy on the road, and the people you’ll be talking with are just as busy, if not busier.

Managers, agents, and labels have rosters full of artists that have different schedules and teams to attend to.

So be concise, but don’t leave out anything important - which may seem contradictory.

You’ll need to learn to filter through the information, communicating only what is essential.

It’s also important to learn how to read and write emails without tone.

Being short ≠ being rude.

Most people aren’t being rude when sending an email that says a single sentence like, “Please send.”

Being concise helps us maximize our time. Sometimes that means sending a really short email.

But being concise does not give you permission to intentionally be a jerk.

Even if you’re at odds with someone you’re working with, rude communication is always looked down upon and will never fare well for you.

Third, be ​ considerate ​.

Think about these things when communicating to your team:

Who is my audience?

Does this person need to know all of this information?

How should I communicate with this person?

Consider who you’re communicating with. Are you communicating with your crew? Your manager? Your artist? A venue representative?

For example, you may only need to communicate a schedule to your crew, but you may want to communicate every detail to your manager.

You may want to make sure your artist’s personal email isn’t copied onto a chain with the venue staff when going over production details.

One of the most important things to learn when communicating is how to communicate with your artist.

You need to learn how ​ they ​ like communicating.

Every artist and team you’ll work with will communicate differently. So you’ll need to learn how everyone likes to communicate and then adhere to those standards.

Tour managers and production managers are typically expected to be better communicators than other types of touring professionals.

But no matter what job you have on the road, if you communicate well with all parties, people will love working with you.

Remember to be quick, be concise, and be considerate in all of your future communication.

4. Follow Up

Key number four, ​ follow up on ​ all ​ show details. You can’t assume promoters, production personnel, and venue representatives will always know what you need.

I didn’t learn this until I made a ​ huge ​ mistake.

About a year into my career as a tour manager, I got a call to go on the road with an artist.

On my first day as the new tour manager with this artist, we showed up around 10AM to headline a large US festival.

Everyone was excited because it was a warm, gorgeous day and we were about to play for over 10,000 people.

Then the stage manager brought me some bad news. There were no instruments on the stage, backstage, or waiting for us on a truck.

We had flown to this show, and typically when you fly to a show you have to rent backline locally.

I realized in that moment I had forgotten to follow up on ordering backline for the show.

Through some quick and creative problem solving, we found the right instruments and saved the show.

But unfortunately, my first weekend with a new artist quickly became my last weekend with that artist.

If only I had followed up on the backline order.

Not following up on that ONE detail cost me my job, over $20,000 of income that summer, and an important business relationship.

Don’t make the same mistake I did.

Even if everything has already been confirmed weeks in advance, following up on all the details 24-48 hours before the show will help keep small items from falling through the cracks.

5. Stay Organized

The fifth key to becoming a successful tour manager is to ​ stay organized. A huge part of being a great tour manager is knowing how to organize the flow of many different types of information.

At times you might feel like you are drinking from a fire hydrant with the amount of information being thrown at you, but you have to stay organized.

There are many different project management apps you can use to stay organized, but I recommend simply using Google Sheets.

It’s free, it’s customizable, it’s collaborative, and it’s in the cloud - meaning you always have the information you need at your fingertips.

In case you’ve got an event coming up and you don’t have a good advance sheet, I want to share mine with you.

I’ve organized arena-level tours, mini-festivals, single shows, and live stream events all with the same sheet.

Click here , download it, and customize it how you want by clicking File > Make a copy.

6. Keep a Great Attitude

Key number six, ​ keep a great attitude! No one wants to be around someone who’s a drag on the road.

In our ​ How to be a Tour Manager ​ course, I teach about what it means to be a good “hang” on the road.

Touring is extremely interpersonal. You’re always surrounded by people you have to live and work with.

How you interact with others and how you respond to tough situations on the road will ultimately determine whether or not you will be hired again by that artist.

Touring professionals who are in extreme demand typically have good attitudes and are enjoyable to be around.

I said it earlier, touring is not for the faint of heart. There will be days on the road where you will just want to scream (or cry).

Learning how to be extremely optimistic and keep your stress levels in check even in tough situations will be a major key to your future successes on the road.

7. Don’t be afraid of conflict

You may strive to always have a good attitude, but ​ you can’t be afraid of conflict ​. That’s key number seven.

I’ll be the first to admit, engaging in conflict is not fun. But it’s absolutely necessary! Because nothing great can ever be done without engaging in some form of conflict.

You can’t hike up a mountain, lose weight, win a ball game, learn something new, or manage a great tour without engaging and navigating through some type of conflict.

The word conflict has a bad connotation; it gets a bad rap. But did you know that conflict within a team can actually be ​ healthy ​?

If you’ve built trust with your team and your team respects each other, conflict becomes more than just an argument.

With trust present, conflict ultimately becomes the pursuit of truth or the pursuit of the best possible outcome in a scenario.

So if you are in pursuit of the best possible outcome in a scenario, why wouldn’t you confront someone if they’re hurting the vision or the goal of the team?

Why wouldn’t you have a conversation with someone who is not helping your team (or tour) achieve great results?

Learning how to actively address conflict head-on rather than sweeping it under the rug is going to help you overcome many tough situations in every part of your life, and it’s going to help you manage a more successful tour.

8. Continually Improve Yourself

Lastly, you have to ​ continually be improving yourself ​.

Why do you need to continually improve yourself?

Because ​you are a product.

You get paid in exchange for what you’re worth and for the services you provide.

And if you want to keep getting hired and paid more money on the road, you have to continually be improving the ​ value ​ of the product or service that you provide.

For example, say you only know how to push cases and pack a truck. Well, you’re only economically worth about $15 bucks an hour.

And if you know how to set up and tune instruments properly, you’re worth a little more.

If you know how to lead a crew, you’re worth a bit more.

And if you can manage a tour, mix a show, lead a crew, set up instruments, and make sure every piece of gear is in top working condition every night, your value will keep going up and up and up.

You as a product become way more valuable because you are able to provide more services.

You save the artist money because they don’t have to bring out multiple people on the road to do all the jobs. You’ve got it covered.

You save the artist money because you keep all their gear in working order.

You give your team peace of mind because they know they can count on you to lead them on a tour.

And when you can prove that you save the artist lots of money, they’ll have no problem increasing your pay.

Because to them, working with YOU is a great investment, rather than working with someone else who doesn’t think like you.

I’m sure you get the picture here.

No matter what job you have, you are a product on the market, and you should continually be improving your skills and services to increase your value.

Once again, here are 8 Keys to Becoming a Successful Tour Manager:

Secure your job.

Learn the artist’s vision for the tour.

Communicate well.

Always follow up on ​ all ​ show details.

Stay organized.

Keep a great attitude.

Don’t be afraid of conflict.

Continually improve yourself.

A Great Way to Improve Your Skills

If you’re ready to up your game and learn how to lead your team on the road, join Tour Management Made Easy . It’s a program for young tour managers with bi-weekly coaching sessions and access to our ​ How to be a Tour Manag ​ er course. It could be the best thing you’ve ever given yourself.

Whether you’re a current touring professional or a student dreaming of becoming a tour manager, Tour Management Made Easy will help you gain the knowledge, the tools, and the confidence to be able to hit the road and successfully manage your next tour.

When you enroll in the program, not only will you immediately start gaining a new skill that’s valuable to artists on the road, but you’re also going to learn tips, tricks, and step-by-step processes that will make people love working with you. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a community of people who are growing together.

Click here to learn more

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What does a Tour Manager do?

What does a Tour Manager do

A tour manager is a professional who oversees various aspects of a tour, from planning and execution to logistics and inventory management. They are responsible for managing events, coordinating travel logistics, and ensuring that guests receive excellent service. They also handle financial matters such as payroll and expense reports. Tour managers work closely with artists, event organizers, and promoters to plan and execute successful tours. They use their knowledge of event planning, marketing, and inventory management to create unique and memorable experiences for fans.

  • Responsibilities
  • Skills And Traits
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  • Types of Tour Manager

Resume

Tour manager responsibilities

A tour manager's responsibilities include overseeing event logistics, managing schedules, and coordinating travel arrangements. They ensure that events run smoothly, on time, and within budget. They also manage communication with staff, vendors, and clients. Additionally, they handle financial aspects such as expense management and inventory control. They are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the tour are well-planned and executed, from scheduling to booking flights and accommodations. As a tour manager, you may also be in charge of managing a team of tour guides, training them, and assigning roles and locations for street promotion.

One example of a tour manager's responsibilities is shown in this resume snippet: "Managed and executed several full-scale marketing events and trade shows for major brand names and corporations."

In summary, a tour manager is responsible for managing all aspects of a tour, from event logistics to financial management. They ensure that events run smoothly, on time, and within budget, and are responsible for managing communication with staff, vendors, and clients.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real tour manager resumes:

  • Manage POS for the duration of the program.
  • Manage the brands instagram account by posting photos relevant to the brands initiatives.
  • Manage all aspects of international tours, including advancing shows, booking hotels, arranging travel, and coordinating local crews.
  • Manage communication and event preparation with partners, venues, artists, and staff ensuring logistical requirements are manage effectively.
  • Deliver railroad parts to NYC.
  • Organize team meeting and go over BEO.
  • Obtain CDL license which is still active today.
  • Facilitate past and present daily Olympian appearances, gift giveaways and autograph signing.
  • Secure features, new product placements, and POS placements in visit accounts.
  • Maintain the brands twitter account to update consumers where they can find the team in their city.
  • Organize lunches, giveaways, and schedule interactive walkthroughs provide at each stop of the nationwide tour.
  • Handle on-site venue logistics for headliner and support acts, including ticketing, credentials, and VIP guests.
  • Provide ROI analysis and recommend changes to the CEO base on results and changing needs of the company.
  • Entertain clients, partners, distributors and VIP's insuring they have a positive interaction with the brand and event.
  • Escort guests all over Maui isle, while teaching them about various histories of places and people such as theHawaiian monarchy.

Tour manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13 % of Tour Managers are proficient in Booking , Venues , and Tour Logistics . They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills , Problem-solving skills , and Speaking skills .

We break down the percentage of Tour Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Facilitate national/international travel of band in coordination with our booking agencies.

Managed communication and event preparation with partners, venues, artists, and staff ensuring logistical requirements are managed effectively.

Manage tour logistics including domestic and international transportation, scheduling, and the financial aspects of Artist show/tour dates.

Operated and maintained a 16ft box truck and DOT log book.

Coordinated merchandise sales, organized guest lists and orchestrated hospitality and lodging needs.

Contract out to marketing companies as Tour Manager / Emcee / Performer / Class A CDL Driver such as:

Common skills that a tour manager uses to do their job include "booking," "venues," and "tour logistics." You can find details on the most important tour manager responsibilities below.

Leadership skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a tour manager to have is leadership skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "public relations and fundraising managers often lead large teams of specialists or fundraisers and must be able to guide their activities." Tour managers often use leadership skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "anticipated and advised leadership of event execution details to avoid potential issues. "

Problem-solving skills. Many tour manager duties rely on problem-solving skills. "managers sometimes must explain how the company or client is handling sensitive issues," so a tour manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways tour manager responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "developed superior customer service and conflict resolution skills. "

Speaking skills. This is an important skill for tour managers to perform their duties. For an example of how tour manager responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "public relations and fundraising managers regularly speak on behalf of their organization." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a tour manager: "presented weekly written event recaps of total consumer impressions to measure the success of the team's marketing strategies. ".

Writing skills. For certain tour manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "writing skills." The day-to-day duties of a tour manager rely on this skill, as "managers must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what tour managers do: "promoted events by writing press releases and networking with radio stations and local promoters. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in tour manager job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what tour managers do. Tour manager responsibilities rely on this skill because "managers deal with the public regularly; therefore, they must be friendly enough to build a rapport with, and receive cooperation from, their media contacts and donors." You can also see how tour manager duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "managed communication with venues, promoters, and booking agents. "

Most common tour manager skills

The three companies that hire the most tour managers are:

  • HMSHost 4 tour managers jobs
  • Aramark 2 tour managers jobs
  • Feld Entertainment 1 tour managers jobs

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Compare different tour managers

Tour manager vs. associate director.

An associate director oversees the daily activities and business operations within a particular area. They are primarily responsible for devising strategies that aim for growth in profit and customer satisfaction, implementing policies and standards, evaluate the workforce, providing support to various departments, and setting goals in terms of budget and sales. Furthermore, they must regularly report progress to the director and coordinate with managers and supervisors in the joint effort to reach the vision and mission of the company.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a tour manager are more likely to require skills like "booking," "venues," "tour logistics," and "log book." On the other hand, a job as an associate director requires skills like "patients," "healthcare," "project management," and "oversight." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Tour manager vs. Manager, project management

The role of a project management manager involves the planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure of projects. Project managers oversee the scope of the entire project, the team, success or failure, and its resources. They facilitate productivity and commitment, remove obstacles, and motivate their team members. Their skills should include leadership, critical thinking, communication, negotiating, and risk management. They should also know about cost management, scheduling, and task management.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real tour manager resumes. While tour manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "booking," "venues," "tour logistics," and "log book," managers, project management use skills like "project management," "risk management," "portfolio," and "customer service."

Tour manager vs. Assistant project manager

An assistant project manager is an individual who works directly under a project manager to support the planning and execution of projects. Associate project managers keep track of a project's progress and communicate with stakeholders about project needs and goals. They help procure materials and other essential items to meet project goals and avoid delays in completing a project. They are also responsible for resolving complex issues that arise in a project.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from tour manager resumes include skills like "booking," "venues," "tour logistics," and "log book," whereas an assistant project manager is more likely to list skills in "project management," "construction management," "general contractors," and "construction projects. "

Tour manager vs. Special projects manager

A Special Projects Department is a vital part of the research and development branch in a company to design and create new products and services for customers to use. The special projects manager's responsibility is to request and allocate funds, personnel, and a specialist to the project. This person is also obligated to monitor and generate reports on the project's status and update the company management on the special project's daily status.

Types of tour manager

Project manager.

  • Program Manager
  • Call Center Manager

Special Projects Manager

  • Pool Manager
  • Club Manager

Updated March 14, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What Similar Roles Do

  • What an Assistant Project Manager Does
  • What an Associate Director Does
  • What an Associate Project Manager Does
  • What a Call Center Manager Does
  • What a Club Manager Does
  • What a Communications Project Manager Does
  • What a Consultant/Project Manager Does
  • What a Contact Center Manager Does
  • What a Deputy Program Manager Does
  • What a Fitness Manager Does
  • What a Junior Project Manager Does
  • What a Lead Program Manager Does
  • What a Manager, Project Management Does
  • What a Pool Manager Does
  • What a Program Manager Does

Tour Manager Related Careers

  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Associate Director
  • Associate Project Manager
  • Communications Project Manager
  • Consultant/Project Manager
  • Contact Center Manager
  • Deputy Program Manager
  • Fitness Manager
  • Junior Project Manager
  • Lead Program Manager
  • Manager, Project Management

Tour Manager Related Jobs

Resume for related jobs.

  • Assistant Project Manager Resume
  • Associate Director Resume
  • Associate Project Manager Resume
  • Call Center Manager Resume
  • Club Manager Resume
  • Communications Project Manager Resume
  • Consultant/Project Manager Resume
  • Contact Center Manager Resume
  • Deputy Program Manager Resume
  • Fitness Manager Resume
  • Junior Project Manager Resume
  • Lead Program Manager Resume
  • Manager, Project Management Resume
  • Pool Manager Resume
  • Program Manager Resume
  • Zippia Careers
  • Executive Management Industry
  • Tour Manager
  • What Does A Tour Manager Do

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Tour Manager

Also Called Road Manager, Concert Tour Manager

Tour managers travel with musicians and crew members on touring journeys that can span the globe and last for months. Their job is to make sure everything runs smoothly, which usually means arranging travel plans, coordinating with venues, managing money, facilitating media interactions, and scoping out local services at each tour stop.

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What does a Tour Manager do?

Tour managers take care of nearly every aspect of the lives of  musicians and  crew while on the road, providing organizational, administrative, and boots-on-the-ground support for the duration of a concert tour. They make transportation and lodging arrangements; communicate in advance with concert producers and  venue management  to coordinate load-in, sound check, and set times; convey the band's hospitality needs (backstage catering and dressing room setup); see to it that musicians and crew get to their next stop safely and on time; and ensure that the artist's rider requests are met.

The best tour managers are well-prepared for the issues and crises that sometimes arise on tour, and deal with them resourcefully and efficiently.

Tour managers create day sheets that detail each day's schedule and  distribute them  to the band and crew. If there are media engagements planned—such as a record store appearance, a radio station visit, or an interview—the tour manager is responsible for making sure everyone is where they need to be.  Perhaps most importantly, the tour manager manages the tour's finances, keeping a close eye on the money that comes in and out to ensure everything stays within the tour accountant's budget.  When a problem arises, whether it's due to a dispute with a promoter , a passport emergency, guest list gaffes, or the artist's own bad behavior, it's the tour manager's job to resolve the issue and restore peace. In some cases, tour managers work closely with a tour publicist to ensure attendance of the shows, and those who work on smaller tours might take on additional duties, such as overseeing production elements like lighting and sound or working the merch table.

At a Glance

Some tour managers start out as musicians  or concert techs ; others have experience as festival staff , booking agents , promoters , or live sound engineers , or in similar live-music roles. With experience, connections, and a reputation for good work, tour managers can advance to better-paying jobs with more prominent bands and artists, or join the ranks of a record label or concert promotion company. They can also go into other aspects of management, becoming an artist manager ,  venue manager , artist relations manager , or company manager to an orchestra.

Tour management is typically freelance work, although the most experienced tour managers may be able to snag in-house positions at record labels.  It's vital that aspiring tour managers have proven experience living on the road and managing a creative undertaking.  As with many live music gigs, g etting hired as a tour manager is often a matter of word-of-mouth referrals.   To get started, some tour managers do the work for little or no pay with a friend's band.

  • Schedule management
  • Personnel management
  • Experience touring
  • Proactive communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking and organization

Tour managers must be excellent multitaskers with terrific time management and organizational skills. Being proactive and making the most of downtime (e.g., while traveling between tour stops) is extremely important to staying on top of work. The best tour managers are well-prepared for the issues and crises that sometimes arise on tour, and deal with them resourcefully and efficiently. They  should also be capable of handling interpersonal conflicts—which occur frequently on tour—with grace.

It's easy to forget that managing a tour means going on tour oneself. Just like the musicians and crew members they manage, tour managers spend hours riding in cars, buses, and/or planes, work long days that continue well into the night, and sleep in hotels and motels in unfamiliar cities. They also enjoy all the benefits of going on tour: paid travel, free concerts, and new experiences and opportunities around every corner. It's  vitally important for a tour manager's long-term success and well-being that he or she enjoys life on the road, highs and lows alike.

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Tour Manager

Career Overview

A Tour Manager manages transportation, scheduling, and the financial aspects of an artist’s time on the road.

Alternate Titles

Road Manager, Concert Tour Manager

Avg. Salary

Salary Range

$46K – $71K 1

Table of Contents

Career Description

Career outlook, career path, experience & skills, education & training, additional resources.

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How To Become a Tour Manager

People also ask.

What is the role of a tour manager?

What education is needed to become a tour manager?

Do tour managers make a lot of money?

The job of a Tour Manager is to make sure that life on the road runs smoothly for everyone involved. This means getting the band safely to venues and hotels, managing money coming in and money going out, and dealing with Promoters , Ticket Service Directors and Venue Managers .

Tour Manager David Norman says that his “day consists of moving the artist and the band from city to city. Along with my Travel Agent, Tour Coordinator , Tour Bus Driver , Tour Publicist , booking flights, ground, hotels, etc. Doing day sheets (info on what your day will be like including departure times, showtimes, soundcheck times, travel after the show, etc.)”

Tour Managers also work with Band Directors , Travel Agents, Band Members, Sound and Lighting Techs , Instrument Techs ( Guitar Technicians , etc.), Sound Engineers , Tour Bus Drivers , Tour Coordinators , Production Managers , Tour Accountants, Advance Person , Festival Directors and the Road Crew .

A tour manager is the logistical backbone of an artist’s tour, overseeing all aspects of planning, coordination, and execution to make sure everything runs smoothly. This includes organizing transportation, accommodations, budgeting, negotiations with venues, and schedules for the touring party. And the touring party often includes musicians, crew members, and support staff. Many times, a tour manager will stand in as one of the band members.

On average, Tour Managers earn approximately $54,300 annually. The average salary range for Tour Managers runs from $46,000 to $71,000.

Tour Managers are paid week-by-week, and payment varies based on the tour budget, the length of the tour, the stature of the band, etc. Usually, a Tour Manager gets a base salary, plus expenses (meals, for example), and sometimes a per diem for incidental expenses that come up on the road.

The income of tour managers vary widely depending on things like the size and popularity of the artists they work with, the length and scale of the tour, and their level of experience and expertise. Tour managers, especially those just starting out or managing indie acts, usually make enough to get by. But you should’t expect to get rich by being a tour manager. If you’re up for the responsibility and living life on the road, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.

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Tour Managers have a lot of responsibility, and not a lot of days off. Norman says, “I generally work at least 8 – 9 months out of the year. I’m a workaholic and need projects to keep me motivated.”

The best way to advance in this career is to have a handle on several different aspects of touring so that you can work in varying capacities. Norman says that “when I was coming up, my mentor advised me to learn EVERYTHING about touring, so I did. I can tour manage, production manage, [do] tour accounting, Promoter Rep, etc. Learning all of these different things will make your phone ring with more jobs over being just one dimensional.

“For example, this year I was the Tour Manager/Tour Accountant for John Legend (finished in February after 5 ½ years touring with him). Then I filled in as Tour Manager for a one-off date for Aaron Neville and then was Tour Director for the Brit Floyd tour and then Production Manager for Prince.

“In two weeks, I’ll go out as Tour Accountant for Avicii (filling in for a friend) and then I go out with One Direction as Promoter Rep August – October.” Advancement also comes from experience and building connections; most Tour Managers start with smaller, lesser-known bands before hitting the road with Grammy-winning, millionaire Rock Stars .

Like so many music industry careers, networking and word-of-mouth recommendations are the best way to get a job as a Tour Manager. Many Tour Managers start off by working with a friend’s band or in another music industry career.

UK-based Tour Manager Bob Slayer says, “There are so many ways to get into a career in music but like any creative field most of them involve working for next to nothing for quite a while, this is because a lot of people want to follow this path, so if you won’t work for nothing there are plenty of other people who will and they will get the breaks.

“If you have some aptitude for what you do then there comes a time where the experience and knowledge you have picked up working endless free or low paid hours begin to make you a scarcer, more valuable commodity.

“Back in 2002/2003, I was trying to get into music journalism. I was reviewing bands for a bunch of fanzines and just starting to get the odd bit of work from magazines. I interviewed a band by email – Electric Eel Shock, a Japanese band who were touring America at the time.

One of the questions I asked them was “Do you have any plans to come to the UK?” and this was the only one they answered! ‘You get gig; we come.’ And so I did.

“A few weeks later they came and stopped on my floor and did a few gigs around London. They blew a few people away and were asked to support a couple of larger bands.

The band then, impressed with what I had set up, invited me to go back to [the] USA with them and to SXSW. There I set up an interview with MTV for them and managed to get the head Booker from Roskilde Festival in Denmark to come see them live.

“She immediately booked them to headline a stage… This sealed it and they asked me to be their Manager . This I did for the next 6 years solid as well as tour managing and also acting as Agent in some territories.

I still work with them and just set up a European tour with them. Working and touring with Electric Eel Shock led to working with a number of other artists such as The Bloodhound Gang, Public Enemy, MC Devvo, etc.”

  • Start at the bottom. Get experience in different facets of the live music industry.
  • Network. Get the word out that you’re available to work as a Tour Manager.
  • Be willing to work for free or very little.
  • Brush up your budgeting skills.
  • Stay responsible and don’t get sucked into partying! You’re the one who needs to see that everyone gets to the next location safely and on time.

Norman, like many Tour Managers, started off as a musician himself. This experience gave him an understanding of what tour life was like, and what band members would need from their Tour Manager. He also has experience as a recording studio Sound Engineer and Mixer.

After working with the S.O.S. Band on an album, they asked him to come along on tour with them as a Front-of-House Engineer and Tour Manager. In general, Tour Managers have experience in one or more music industry careers before heading out with a band. Skill-wise, they must be able to handle finances, stay on schedule and handle all kinds of people with varying temperaments.

Working as Tour Manager isn’t for everybody. Norman says this is a good career for “someone who’s patient, is proactive instead of reactive and is a forward-thinker and can multitask!”

”Learn everything you can,” Norman says. “Read everything you can and above all, find a mentor to help guide you. College would be great to learn people and life skills.” Although higher education isn’t a requirement, an understanding of finance and budgeting is.

You don’t necessarily need a formal education, but a degree in music business or a related field can help. The more important thing is getting experience, being passionate about the artists and tours you manage. It can help to first go on tours as a different member of the tour crew, like the road crew, merch crew, or just general support crew.

There are no unions for Tour Managers, although UK-based Tour Manager Bob Slayer recommends the Music Managers Forum for those interested in artist management.

This site has some useful insight into the business of being a Tour Manager .

What skills do you need to be a Tour Manager?

To be successful, Tour Managers need skills in time management, interpersonal communication, budgeting and finance. They must be able to solve issues on the fly, deal with all kinds of people, and ensure everyone’s having a good time.

Most Tour Managers know the music industry inside-and-out, having worked in some other capacity before getting into tour management. It can be helpful to have an understanding of live concert sound, performance gear, and musical instruments.

What education do you need to be a Tour Manager?

Majoring in Music Business or Music Industry Studies as an undergraduate can be helpful for aspiring Tour Managers. However, many Tour Managers get all the education they need through working in various music industry roles such as live sound, venue management, and performance. These positions help them get to know what life on the road is like.

What they haven’t already learned, they learn on the road.

Who goes on tour with an artist?

Touring is big business and therefore all kinds of people go on tour along with an artist. Some people you might find on the tour bus include the Tour Manager, Production Manager , Roadies / Stagehands , Tour Bus Driver , Guitar Tech , Lighting Tech , Background Singers , musicians, and the people selling shirts, tote bags, and other memorabilia at the merch tent.

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Bob Slayer says, “Get whatever experience under your belt. Bands always need to get to gigs, if you want to make yourself indispensable, buy yourself a van and offer yourself for free, or for expenses, or cheaply to bands. Maybe you don’t always want to tour but it will give you an insight into the goings-on of bands and you should be able to go from there into other areas.

“One fan of Electric Eel Shock used to come to all their gigs and so when I couldn’t tour manage them for a while I asked him if, in return for us taking him to the gigs, he would do some production. He said yes and became their Tour Manager for a while. Another fan got Electric Eel Shock a feature in his local newspaper.

“I encouraged him to do some more and he got us features in several other local newspapers on the tour. I introduced him to other bands he could also help out and within a year he packed in his job and started a PR company.”

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Slayer: “Being a dick!”

Norman: “Thinking that it’s all glamorous and so easy. It’s definitely NOT. Also, people who think they know it all. I learn stuff each and every day from people who know less than me, to people who have much more knowledge and wisdom than myself.”

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Slayer: “What the feck am I doing?”

Norman: “Do you think this would be right for me based on my personality?”

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Norman: “I’ll have to think on that one. GREAT QUESTION!”

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Slayer: ‘I am far from successful—but I am happy!”

Norman: “Diligence.”

Extra Credit: The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Slayer: “There was a time when this was a polarizing question. You were in one camp or the other. There have been many other this band vs. that band. But I think it is hard to say anything other than both.”

Norman: “Beatles. The Rolling Stones are SOOOOOOO overrated.”

david_norman

David Norman & Bob Slayer

David Norman  is a veteran Tour Manager who has worked as a musician, Recording Engineer and Mixer, Tour Accountant, and Production Manager. From 2008-2014 he worked as the Tour Manager/Tour Accountant for John Legend and recently worked with Prince on his European/UK tour. Norman has worked with stars like Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Toni Braxton, Arcade Fire, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, Green Day, and They Might Be Giants.

He has been profiled on Roadies of Color United , FOH Online , and Billboard .

Bob Slayer is a Tour Manager in the UK, where he has worked with Snoop Dogg, Electric Eel Shock, Iggy & the Stooges, Public Enemy, The Bloodhound Gang, and the Magic Numbers. In addition to his work with live music, he also now works with Comedians. He has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every year since 2008 and is himself an award-winning Comedian.

  • 1 . "Tour Manager Salaries" . Glassdoor.com. published: Dec 22, 2019. retrieved on: Nov 7, 2019

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