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Boomers launch rewarding encore careers as tour guides

(ARA) - Job loss and the lack of new job opportunities are devastating many baby boomers, forcing an unprecedented number to seek early retirement. As a result, the most affluent generation in history now faces an unexpected challenge: making ends meet.

The Social Security Administration reports that since Oct. 1, 2008, early retirement claims have soared to record levels.

Baby boomers opting to retire at age 62 are settling for as much as 25 percent less in income per month than if they waited to retire at age 66.

What can baby boomers and retirees do to supplement their incomes when traditional jobs are unavailable?

"Consider becoming a professional tour director," says Ted Bravos, chief executive officer of International Tour Management Institute (ITMI).

"Even during these uncertain times, travel and tour companies are seeking qualified people. Boomers possess the life experience and maturity that makes them terrific tour directors."

In the U.S. alone, the travel industry creates over 17 million jobs and produces more than $740 billion in annual revenue, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Travel and tourism remain among the top revenue producing industries in the world.

Professional tour directors earn an average of $150 to $350 per day plus all-expense-paid trips. And, it does not matter where the tour director lives, because many tour companies pay for travel from their home to the tour destination and back. Tour directors can determine how many days each year they wish to work and which areas of the country or the world they wish to experience.

Many ITMI boomer alumni like Jerry Flavin have found rewarding encore careers as tour directors.

Flavin enthusiastically states, "I can only say that the change from a legal career to a career in travel and tourism has been a boost to my retirement years.

"The fact that I am dealing with people from all over the world is stimulating, educational and rewarding. I am so happy I developed this career change, and now I can be an instrument of peace."

Since its inception in 1976, ITMI has launched thousands of travel careers. As the first certified professional 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 a few.

What does a tour director do?

Tour directors represent the travel organizer for whom they work. They prepare commentaries and briefings about each area and are prepared to answer commonly asked questions and deal with everyday problem solving. Most importantly, they relate well to people. They set the tone and ensure that participants enjoy themselves.