XPTG1 - Professional Tour Guiding 1: History of New Orleans

Delivery Options Classroom

Course Description

Whether you are preparing to take the New Orleans Tour Guide Permit exam or just want to learn more about your favorite city, this course has something for you. Gain skills in the tourism industry and knowledge about the City of New Orleans. Students participate in eleven (11) classroom sessions and two (2) field trips that are guided walking tours of the city.

Classroom sessions consist of instructor lectures, guest speakers, and learner presentations. Previous guest speakers have included representatives from the Tour Guides Association of Greater New Orleans, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours, Gray Line Tours, New Orleans Tours, City Sightseeing New Orleans, and New Orleans Music Tours. Learners also have the option to take the Tour Guide Permit exam for the City of New Orleans on the last night of class.

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will receive a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 4.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Instructor: Frank Perez, B.S., M.A.

Course Outline

See Sample Syllabus

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course learners will be able to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of New Orleans’ history by acquiring in-depth knowledge of the city’s cultural, social, and political evolution and its diverse historical narratives.
Master storytelling techniques that engage and resonate with diverse audiences.
Develop adaptive tour strategies which solve real-world challenges such as engaging diverse audiences, navigating unexpected situations, and responding to varying levels of historical knowledge.
Collaborate with local historians, cultural experts, and community stakeholders to co-create accurate and engaging tour experiences that reflect the city’s culture and heritage and resonate with both tourists and locals.
Acquire practical emergency management skills such as assessing and responding effectively to medical emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
Evaluate the impacts and challenges of overtourism in New Orleans and develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Analyze the evolution of tourism as an industry in New Orleans by examining the historical development of tourism in the city.
Conduct historical tours of New Orleans, actively applying knowledge of local history, culture, and landmarks to deliver engaging and accurate tours.
Understand the city regulations and licensing requirements and prepare to take the City Tour Guide Permit exam.
Commit to professional development by exploring opportunities for continued education, certifications, and skill-building to remain current in the field.

Notes

This course is great for those for following:

Aspiring tour guides
Seasoned tour guides
Hospitality industry
Those who just enjoy learning about the city of New Orleans

Prerequisites

No prerequisites required.

*This course is eligible for the Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism Certificate.

Testimonials

"I was very pleased with the quality and content of the course. I entered the course with just a general understanding of the history of Louisiana and New Orleans. By the time the course was over I had a much greater understanding of uniqueness and vitality of area’s real history and the importance of what different cultures brought to the city. New Orleans truly is a GUMBO." - David M.