Blog Article Series: Tour Guiding (Issue 01)
Ever wondered if tour guiding might be something of your interest?
Being a tour guide is more than just having the knowledge and information of the areas of your expertise, but a great tour guide is one who is engaging and passionate about promoting the natural, cultural and historical treasures in your area.
1. Love and appreciation for the natural resources in your area!
Especially if you hail from the land below the wind, you’ll know just how abundant and rich the natural resources are here in Borneo. From beautiful almost unbelievable natural environments to encountering some of the most iconic wildlife, down to the diverse multifaceted cultures of the people in Borneo, there’s just so much to take pride in and to be proud of the place we call home.
If you’re familiar or even better local to the area, tying in your own experiences to the tours in addition to the factual points and knowledge you’re sharing, really adds a personal touch to making your tours special.
2. You’re an effective communicator.
Having strong communication skills is definitely one of the most important aspects of what makes a great tour leader. We’re not talking about having an exceptional English-speaking vocabulary, more or rather that you’re able to deliver information in a clear manner so that your group can easily understand what you’re saying.
Sometimes you’ll find yourself in situations where you’re leading your group through busy crowded area, so as a guide you would have to be able to project your voice and lead them. Every tour guide develops their own style when it comes to interpreting facts and information. Some of the best tour guide are the most captivating storytellers that compel people to listen and engage with them. To be a great storyteller, one must also be a great listener.
3. Personable and have an outgoing personality.
You’re going to be meeting new people almost daily. So, while it takes time to get comfortable when you’re meeting a new group of strangers, as a guide you will have to break out of the initial awkwardness instantaneously and help your guests to feel comfortable to talk to you. It’s more than just being able to communicate well, but some of the best guides are empathetic and always try to accommodate the needs of their guests.
Added bonus points if you have a great sense of humor! Cracking a joke or too adds an extra layer of entertainment for guests, plus it would help them feel at ease and allow them to get comfortable.
4. Quick to think on your feet, sometimes you may need to improvise.
Just like life, things aren’t always going to go according to plan. Although your plans and tour itineraries have been set well in advance, do expect that at times you would have to improvise in certain situations. It could be that it’s been pouring out which makes it not ideal for outdoor treks, or perhaps you’re faced with car troubles along the way or maybe having to accommodate the wants and needs of slightly demanding personalities.
The ability to change things up on the fly is a great skill to have. Being flexible helps you consider the needs of others, especially when you’re faced with unexpected issues and schedule changes.
The ability to change things up on the fly is a great skill to have. Being flexible helps you consider the needs of others, especially when you’re faced with unexpected issues and schedule changes.
5. There’s passion from within.
If you’re truly passionate and have a great sense of interest in what you do, there’s no question just how much others will be left awe-inspired by your enthusiasm! Sometimes it can really make or break the tours.
When you’re passionate as a tour guide, you’re more inclined to acquire new knowledge about what interests you. You’ll take the extra care and attention to improve and update yourself on the uniqueness of each tour and area attractions.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog in this series: What it takes to be a Tour Guide in Sabah (2022)
Sometimes having a feel of the tourism industry would help you get a better idea of how we connect with travelers on the front lines as well as behind the scenes! We’re currently hiring, so do check out our job openings here!
