How to become a tour guide
A tour guide is a dream job for many people. Being a tour guide is a great way to learn more about the world, whether it’s showing off the delights of your hometown, offering free tour of granada or lead a rafting expedition in the Alps. Similarly, it can be an indeterminate career; most guides are freelance and dependent on the tourism industry.
Here is our guide to achieving success in this inspiring but uncertain career.
Different types of guide
In an industry as diverse and global as tour guides, you need to find your niche. Obviously, there will be competition for positions, so choose a field and subject that you are well versed and passionate about.
Walking guide
Usually in large cities, these guides walk in groups, explaining the history and chatting freely with their guests.
Tour bus guide
This type of guide works on the tour bus, talking about the journey, usually with a microphone; pointing out interesting and important landmarks.
Museum guide
This guide takes the group through the museum, discusses tidbits of art, and urges guests to see the best the museum has to offer.
Adventure guide
The outdoor adventure tour guide offers a more intense experience: hiking, rafting, and true outdoor exploration.
What skills do you need?
Timing
By its very nature, tour accompaniment must include timekeeping. Some guides may run two or three tours a day; Making sure your group has a balanced experience that doesn’t feel rushed can be a challenge when you’re on a schedule.
Performance
Guides should be charming, skilled communicators who can get along with a wide variety of people.
Leadership
As a tour guide, you will have to move a significant number of people. Convincing people to listen to your instructions, listen and follow them is a skill in itself.
tranquility
There There are many problems associated with the work of the guide: naughty guests, environmental problems and problems with timing. To be successful, you will have to meet them with a calm and sunny demeanor.
Definition
Most guides work freelance; Finding your own job can be difficult, especially for those with more stable jobs. You must be passionate and determined, be sure to have a strong will for what you do.
Qualification
Although qualifications to work as a guide in the UK are not required, there are still authorities that can assign it. You may find that having these accreditations will help you get a job as a guide.
Tourist Guide Institute offers a badge system with training courses for guides of all levels. There are also many online tour guide courses that are lesser known, but can be a first step for those who are afraid or unfamiliar with guides.
How to find a job
Hiring for a travel company
Networking is absolutely essential in this situation. Travel companies are looking for sociable, charming people; and those who want to reach out and ask for advice and information help not only themselves but also others.
Researching companies in your area is important as you will want to apply to as many companies as possible. Sometimes just googling “guide companies in ___” will give you a good list to work with.
Starting your own business
british guild of tour guides is a national association of blue and green badge tourist guides operating throughout the UK. If you have a blue or green badge, you should definitely join this group.
Creating a website is necessary to maintain a professional image. It’s the first thing your customers will see and it’s imperative that your website is beautiful and easy to use. The features your website should have include a booking system and a way to contact you. Comments from satisfied customers and photos from previous tours will also help convince potential customers of the quality of your service.
You should also aim for an appropriate social media presence. People are looking for tags on Instagram these days, not Google. Your social media should be clean, professional, with just enough personality to keep it intriguing. Regular posting will optimize your search experience and bring new customers to your business.
