Apply to be a Tour Manager

To apply, you need to be a British/EU national or entitled to work within the EU.

ACIS is an educational travel company. We work in partnership with U.S. teachers to provide them and their students with the highest quality educational tours available. Most of the students are first-time travellers, so to go on a tour with ACIS is, literally, to have the experience of a lifetime. To work as a Tour Manager with ACIS is to be a central part of that experience.

Successful interviewees will have to attend the annual Tour Manager training in London on January 25-26, 2025. More details on training will be given at the interview stage.

A Tour Manager talks to the group

Tour Managers Application

ACIS is no longer accepting applications for the Tour Manager position.

Tour Manager Ins and Outs

What is an educational tour?

Our tours typically range from 8 to 11 days. They may be based entirely in one city, or take place in several countries. Teachers can choose a tour from our catalogue, or create their own itinerary. Whatever they decide, the tours are designed to give students a variety of authentic experiences. We combine scheduled activities with plenty of free time.  We introduce the students to the major places of interest and encourage them to explore on their own. We help them learn about Europe and have fun while doing so. ACIS works in partnership with educationalists in the U.S. to ensure that our tours are relevant to U.S. curricula, and we have a programme of academic credit for travellers.

What is a Tour Manager?

The Tour Manager is a key part of the tour and central to its success. S/he meets the group when they arrive and stays with them until they go home. S/he is a teacher, organiser, listener, diplomat, leader, problem-solver, and entertainer. We employ a broad range of people from all walks of life, and what they share is a genuine interest in the peoples and places of Europe and a desire to share this with others. This is an unusual and challenging job, but the rewards are great. ACIS provides unrivalled training and support for Tour Managers. This ranges from comprehensive pre-tour preparation to immediate 24-hour back-up throughout Europe during the tour itself.

Who travels with ACIS?

We bring around 15,000 people a year from the U.S. to Europe. Most of our groups are from high schools, but we also bring in younger (middle school) and older (college or adult) groups. Most of our teachers teach liberal arts subjects and have usually travelled with us before. They assume responsibility for the welfare of the students in their charge and trust their ACIS Tour Manager to deliver the ultimate educational experience as well as ensure the smooth running of the tour. ACIS guarantees centrally located three- and four-star hotels; and the most modern transport available.

We also specialise in choral and instrumental performance tours(Encore Tours) and sports tours. Encore is a blossoming and vital part of the ACIS picture. Due to the overwhelming success of Encore over the past few years, we are especially interested in Tour Managers who would like to work with choirs and orchestras as well as our regular trips. For further information about Encore Tours please visit their website http://www.encoretours.com.

Job Description

What does the job involve?

Our groups come to Europe looking to learn and to enjoy themselves. The Tour Manager is very much involved in helping them achieve both of these aims. S/he has responsibilities that are divided into three areas: educational, group management and operational.

Educational

  • Researching and presenting commentaries on the cities and countries we visit
  • Acting as a guide in some cities and other places of interest
  • Providing suggestions for activities during free time e.g. which museums, neighbourhoods, art galleries, markets or monuments to visit

Group Management

  • Working closely with teachers
  • Leading and motivating the group

Operational

  • Setting and maintaining schedules
  • Managing airport arrivals and departures
  • Checking groups in and out of hotels
  • Liaising with other industry professionals, including hotels and restaurants
  • Directing coach drivers
  • Interpreting and translating
  • Dealing with any problems that may arise, from coach breakdowns to medical emergencies
  • Paying authorised expenses for the group and keeping careful accounts

 

What are the job requirements?

We are looking for people who have:

  • A British or an EU Passport and/or eligibility to work in the EU
  • A desire to work with people
  • An active interest in the history and culture of Europe
  • Good knowledge of a major European country, particularly its capital city
  • The ability to communicate ideas and information enthusiastically and effectively
  • Complete fluency in English (if you are not a native speaker) and in at least one of these languages: French, Italian, Spanish, or German
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • A university degree or are currently studying for one
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • A sense of humour

Additionally:

  • For Encore Tours: An interest in musical performance, choral and orchestral
  • For Sports Tours: An interest in sports