• Courses
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Certification Programs
  • Contact
  • Login
Menu
  • Courses
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Certification Programs
  • Contact
  • Login

Destinations

5 Qualities of Every Successful Tour Guide and Tour Director

  • Categories Destinations
  • Date April 16, 2020

Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, tour guides and tour directors share a number of skills and traits. They are the elements that draw them to this exciting career path and keep them on it for the long haul.

The very best among them possess certain characteristics in abundance. They are what drive them to always improve and never settle for anything less than exceeding their guests’ expectations. Some come naturally. Others require hard work and an open mind

Here are five qualities of every successful tour guide and tour director.  

Thirst for knowledge: The best tour guides and tour directors are perpetual students. It doesn’t matter if they’ve visited a place one time or 1,000. They are eager to learn more about it so they can deepen others’ appreciation of it as well as their own. Their curiosity is one of their greatest assets.

Ceaseless sensitivity and empathy: Great tour guides and tour directors have a keen awareness of their guests’ perspectives. They strive to understand their points of view are willing to adjust their own strategy and style based on what they learn. Tours are dynamic, multi-faceted experiences, so successful management of them requires flexibility.

Genuine warmth: Chances are you’re a people person if you choose to get into this business. You get along with many different types of personalities and are able to find common ground with just about anybody. What separates the best from everybody else is maintaining your positive attitude and your smile even during difficult times.

Endless excitement: There is a sense of childlike wonderment that all the most enjoyable tour guides and tour directors possess. The minute they step off the motorcoach, they are like a kid in a candy store. The sights, the sounds, the people – all are endlessly captivating and inspiring. It’s a true passion for life and recognizing that every place has its own magic.

Tireless dedication: Tour guides and tour directors are a tough bunch. The toughest never balk at adversity. Their No. 1 priority is making sure their guests have a safe, fun time. No matter what challenges might arise – a flat tire, a medical emergency, or even a natural disaster – they are prepared to handle them calmly and professionally. Their guests’ trust in them is not an honor they take lightly. 

  • Share:
author avatar
ITMI

At ITMI, our goal is to continually provide you with world-class learning opportunities. Our mission is to inspire and enrich your understanding of travel’s role in our global community, stewardship of the environment and making a positive difference in the world.

Previous post

What to Pack for 2020 Success
April 16, 2020

Next post

5 Tour Directing and Tour Guiding Myths
April 23, 2020

You may also like

itmi-wanderlust
Wanderlust…Are you Looking for a Way to Get Paid to Travel?
14 January, 2021
5 Benefits of Group Travel
5 Benefits of Group Travel
7 January, 2021
7 New Year's Mini Resolutions for Tour Directors and Tour Guides
7 New Year’s Mini Resolutions for Tour Directors and Tour Guides
1 January, 2021

Search

Categories

  • Career
  • Customer Service
  • Destinations
  • Latest News
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology
  • Wellness

Latest Courses

Travel Leader Fundamentals

Travel Leader Fundamentals

$395.00
ITMI Tour Guide Certification

ITMI Tour Guide Certification

$1,995.00
Tour Director Certification

Tour Director Certification

$3,195.00
14 Kappas Marina West Pier,
Sausalito, CA, 94965,
United States
 

Phone: (415)-957-9489
Email travel@itmisf.com

Wordpress Facebook-f Youtube Instagram Linkedin Twitter

Office Hours

  • Mon 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tues 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wed 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thu 9:00am - 5:00pm

Links

  • Courses
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Certification Programs
  • Contact
  • Login
Menu
  • Courses
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Certification Programs
  • Contact
  • Login

Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Intellectual Property Policy
  • Instructor Terms
  • ITMI Code of Ethics
  • Login Instructions
Menu
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Intellectual Property Policy
  • Instructor Terms
  • ITMI Code of Ethics
  • Login Instructions

© 2021 International Tour Management Institute All rights reserved