BEST PRACTICES IN TOUR GUIDING

1. AVOID GUESS WORK AND PROPAGANDA

- Check and update all information all the time
- Never ever discuss religion or politics
- If drawn into a discussion, be neutral
Better say I do not know but I will find out
Than I think or I guess or probably
2. AVOID MEMORIZING COMMENTARIES
- Develop enthusiasm for study and research
- Know important information and data by heart
- Select materials carefully- material that is interesting, unusual, amusing,
appropriate
- Adopt level of commentaries to the clients level
3. BE HONEST AND SINCERE
- If you do not know , say so guess work is easily detected
- Encourage trust and confidence
- Show genuine interest in people
- Be spontaneous
4. BE POSITIVE AND PATRIOTIC
- Emphasize the positive aspects of the commentatries
- If you have a negative commentary to make, be tactful
- Let the love of the country and people show in your words and deeds
5. BE SENSITIVE IN THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
- React properly to unusual or unexpected
- Be prepared for the unforeseen
- Decide on-the-spot, explain later
6. ENCOURAGE RESPOSIBLE AND SENSITIVE BEHAVIOR FROM THE CLIENTS
- Respect local culture and sensitivities
- Behave with consideration of others
- Obey rules that protect the physical and social environment
7. ESTABLISH RAPPORT WITH THE CLIENTS
- Use skills learned to interest and entertain
- Seek common ground
- Show genuine interest in people
Guiding is a form of theatre, acting and drama techniques are used to provide wit
and entertainment and draw the clients attention. Responsive clients bring out the
best of tour guide, and this what makes tour guiding special.
8. ESTABLISH RAPPORT WITH THE SUPPLIERS
- Use your people skills to elicit cooperation from the suppliers staf
- Seek grounds of concern with your suppliers from the common good
- Show genuine friendship with the suppliers staf
9. MAKE CHOICES
- Keep the general welfare in mind
- Follow the majority rule

- Remember you cannot please everybody

10. NEVER INSINUATE OR ASK FOR TIPS
- A tip earned is a tip given when you deserve it, it shall be given unto you.
- Understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to give tips and that some
people do not tip.
- A good, knowledgeable, skilled and professional tour guide will always earn a tip.