XPTG2 - Professional Tour Guiding 2: Specialty Tours, Research, and Storytelling

Delivery Options Classroom

Course Description

New Instructor & Updated Class Description!

This course is designed for new and seasoned tour guides, as well as anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of New Orleans tourism. Explore a variety of specialty tour experiences—including culinary and cocktail tours, swamp tours, plantation tours, folklore tours, museum and docent-led experiences, and more—while developing the research and storytelling skills needed to create engaging, historically accurate tours.

Through instructor lectures, workshops, guest speakers, and collaborative learning, you will discover research techniques and trusted resources that strengthen both the content and delivery of your tours. Students will investigate topics related to New Orleans history and tourism, distinguish historical fact from popular myth, and present weekly findings as they develop compelling stories grounded in sound research. The final class meeting includes a guided walking tour field trip. Professional Tour Guiding 1 is not required to enroll in this course.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Instructor: Randall Bibb

Course Outline

Sample syllabus coming soon!

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course learners will be able to:

Differentiate between factual historical information and unsupported claims or factoids by evaluating tourism-related sources and research materials.
Research and synthesize information from a variety of credible resources to develop historically accurate and engaging tour content.
Compare and evaluate the characteristics, audiences, and interpretive techniques used in specialized tourism experiences, including culinary, cocktail, swamp, plantation, folklore, and docent-led tours.
Apply effective storytelling techniques to present historical and cultural information in a way that is both accurate and engaging for diverse audiences.
Design a thematic tour experience that integrates historical research, audience engagement strategies, and responsible interpretation practices.
Demonstrate professional tour guiding skills during a guided walking tour by effectively communicating researched content, engaging participants, and adapting storytelling techniques to a live setting.