An early photograph of a United Nations tour guide with a group of tourists
A '
United Nations tour guide' is a person who leads groups of people through
tourist venues at the
United Nations headquarters in
New York City. The tour guide provides a commentary on the features and
history of the United Nations as an international organization.
[An Information Guide for the Public About the United Nations: United Nations Guided Tours, retrieved on: June 14, 2007]
United Nations tour itinerary
A United Nations female tour guide at work.
The guided tour of the United Nations starts with a brief overview about the international organization and its structure. The main part of the tour consists of a visit to the chambers of the
Security Council, the
Trusteeship Council and the
Economic and Social Council, which are located in the conference building. The guide explains the functions, composition and current actions undertaken by each council, as well as the activities of the
United Nations System. Visitors are also escorted to see exhibits on topics such as
peacekeeping operations,
decolonization and
disarmament. An art collection presented by
member states is also part of the tour, and consists of
tapestries,
murals,
mosaics and
sculptures.
The final destination of the tour route is the United Nations General Assembly Hall which is the largest and best-known conference room at the UN. Visitors are also escorted to the public concourse where the UN post office, gift centre, bookshop, coffee shop and restrooms are located.
History of United Nations guided tours
United Nations tour guides wearing 1950s-style uniform
Before 1952, United Nations guided tours were conducted by volunteers at Lake Success village in Nassau County, New York. Guided tours at the present location of the United Nations headquarters in New York City officially started in November 1952. From 1952 to 1955, the tour operation was only composed of 10 guides and was run by the American Association for the United Nations. The guided tours were then incorporated into the United Nations Office of Public Information.
Since 1952, more than 37 million visitors had used the United Nations guided tour service. In 1964, the UN received 1.2 million visitors. The attendance of visitors to the UN now averages 400,000 tourists a year, with May being the busiest month because of large numbers of student groups.
The number of United Nations tour guide staff members has varied throughout the years. In 1953, the operation included 50 guides. In 1969, there were about 41 nationalities who conducted tours in 37 languages. At present, the Guided Tours Unit is composed of 58 tour guides who give tours in over 20 different languages.
In the beginning, the UN tour guides were only composed of females between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. The first male tour guide was hired in 1977. At present, men account for one fourth of the total number of the staff tour guides.
The original tour fee was one US dollar; the current cost is 13 dollars.
United Nations tour guide profile
United Nations tour guides wearing Edith Head's design
The United Nations tour guides are the “United Nations Ambassadors” to the public. This is because they have direct contact with the people who visit the international organization daily. They play a pivotal role in shaping people's perceptions about the work of the United Nations. They were recruited from every region of the world and have different cultural backgrounds but share a common interest in international issues. UN tour guides are fluent in English and at least one additional language. They are college-educated, and possess public speaking skills.
UN tour guide uniforms
Early designs
Most uniforms worn by United Nations tour guides had been provided by internationally distinguished designers. The uniforms worn by flight attendants in the 1950s inspired the first tailored-suit tour guide uniform adorned by a hat and epaulettes. In 1969, the conservative tailored-suite was replaced by a two-colored apparel and a miniskirt designed by Evan Picone.
United Nations tour guides wearing Christian Dior design
In 1977, Edith Head from Hollywood created a new design that consisted of a skirt and a jacket with the recognizable blue color of the United Nations. A navy-style trim, a scarf, and the United Nations emblem adorned the uniform.
In 1982, a conservative style with a sashed navy blue suit was introduced by the French designer Christian Dior. Three years later, American designer Harvé Benard created a tailored navy uniform.
In 1988, the Italian fashion company Benetton designed and donated a new uniform made of lightweight wool in a black and white houndstooth check pattern that is combined with a royal blue knitted top.
In 1995, the United Nations bought the navy blue executive model design from Jones New York. This attire was complemented with a yellow short-sleeve top and a scarf with the United Nations emblem.
Later designs
The uniforms designed by Mondrian of Italy are composed of tailored navy blue suits for women and men. They are matched with light blue blouses, shirts, a scarf, a tie and the United Nations emblem. The Valleverde company from Italy had also participated by providing shoes that complemented the designs of modern-day tour guide uniforms. These new uniforms with shoes were officially introduced on October 24, 2001. Maternity outfits had also been included in the line of tour guide uniforms. Tour guides also wear their national dresses during tour operations.
A United Nations male tour guide at work.
References
External links and further readings
★ UN Virtual Tour, retrieved on: June 14, 2007
★ The United Nations: An Introduction for Students, retrieved on: June 14, 2007
See also
★ United Nations Interpreters
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