Tour Guiding in UK

Age: The age is usually between 20 and 70 years, but can vary depending on the tour operator’s target group.

Qualifications: As there is no regulated professional training, tour guides are usually career changers. For study tours, a university degree in a relevant subject is often required.

Tour guide training: Formal training is not mandatory, but can be very helpful when starting out. Good training provides important knowledge, e.g. in travel law, rhetoric and conflict management. It can also help you to get to know your own strengths and weaknesses better and prepare you for difficult situations.

Adequate specialised knowledge:

Specialist knowledge of the travel area (e.g. history, culture, nature): In order to provide guests with interesting and informative insights, tour guides should have in-depth knowledge of the travel area.

• Language skills (at least English): Fluency in English is generally essential. Additional language skills are required in some destinations.

Additional knowledge for special trips (e.g. technical competence for cycling trips):
Additional knowledge and skills are required for special trips.

Personal skills:

Good voice: Tour guides should have a good voice in order to be able to reach guests well, even in larger groups.

• Clear expression: Tour guides should be able to express themselves clearly and concisely.

Good manners: Tour guides should be well-dressed, polite and respectful towards guests and other people.

• Tour guides should not be afraid to speak in front of groups.
• Decision-making ability: Tour guides should be able to make decisions and take responsibility.

Initiative and willingness to act: Tour guides should show initiative and be willing to get stuck in.

Organisational skills:

• Punctuality: Tour guides should be punctual and keep to the agreed times.
• Plan for buffers: To allow for unforeseen events, tour guides should plan for buffer times.
• Educate the group to be punctual: The tour leader should educate the group to be punctual.
• Avoid stress: Tour leaders should avoid stress and remain calm and composed.

Good time management

Plan realistically: Tour leaders should plan realistically and take into account the duration of the activities and the needs of the guests.

• Consider influencing factors:** Tour guides should consider influencing factors such as traffic and weather.
• Eliminate disruptive factors: Tour guides should eliminate disruptive factors such as noise and long waiting times as far as possible.

Make the timetable realistic:
Tour guides should make the timetable for activities realistic.

Empathy for the guests:

Interest in people: Tour guides should have an interest in people and be attentive to them.

• Showing guests the positive: Tour guides should show guests the positive aspects of the destination.

Empathy: Tour guides should be able to put themselves in the guests’ shoes and understand their needs and concerns.

Leadership talent:

• Take initiative: Tour guides should take the initiative and lead the group.
• Action: Tour guides should be able to make decisions and take responsibility.
• Formulating answers: Tour guides should be able to answer guests’ questions in a competent and friendly manner.