San Francisco, California, March 31, 2011 - “Despite the global economic downturn, the tourism industry remains the top revenue producing industry in the world,” states Ted Bravos, CEO of International Tour Management Institute (ITMI).

“Travel and tourism are the largest service industries in the United States, creating over 7.72 million jobs. Even during these uncertain times, travel and tour companies are always seeking qualified individuals to serve as tour guides and directors. This is a hidden job market that few people know about. Tour guides and directors can work full or part time. The flexibility is ideal for teachers, college students and seniors seeking new adventures,” notes Ted Bravos.

Professional tour directors earn an average of $250 to $350 per day plus all expense paid trips. Tour companies often pay for travel from the tour director’s home to the tour destination and back, therefore; it does not matter where the individual lives. Tour guides and directors can determine how many days each year they wish to work and which areas of the world they wish to experience. Gaining experience as a tour director can often lead to other career opportunities in the event management, meeting planning and travel sectors.

ITMI has launched over 6,000 travel careers. Many of its graduates have gone on to become tour operators, corporate meeting and event planners or cruise ship hosts. As the first certifiedprofessional tour directing program in America, ITMI alumni are sought after by major tour operators such as Adventures by Disney, Australian Pacific Touring, Globus & Cosmos, Tauck World Discovery and Princess Cruise Lines, to name but a few.

About ITMI:
Since 1976, ITMI has been America’s premier training and certification program for tour directors and guides. For more information about ITMI contact Annemarie Osborne Annemarie.Osborne@gmail.com or Joan Keddell travel@itmisf.com or call (415) 957-9489 or visit http://www.itmisf.com. Class size is limited. Students are carefully pre-screened to ensure the highest potential placement rate upon graduation.

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