Tour Guiding Training Course
Do you work as a tour guide? Or do you want to be a Tour Guide? …or do you wish to work as an Egypt tour guide? This tour guide training course is beneficial to anybody interested in learning more about tour guiding in Egypt or pursuing it as a profession. What is the best way to guide tourists in Egypt?
Is it true that you studied leading but are not yet a guide, that you have not taken the first step, or that you are still preparing for it? This is a basic training course that will help you connect what you learned (at university, school, institution, or simply while surfing the internet) with what is waiting for you to face, enjoy, and achieve success.
Training for Tour Guides
Getting started as a tour guide can feel intimidating, especially when you’re preparing to lead your first group. This tour guiding training course will help you build the confidence you need to succeed.
Preparing for Your First Tour
First, you must be proficient in English, as your job requires you to interact with people from various countries and cultures. You may feel anxious about your first tour, but don’t panic. The key is to prepare smart, not hard. Avoid staying up all night cramming; you will be tired, and this will affect your ability to speak clearly. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and eat well before your tour.
The Art of the Introduction
A significant part of your job is giving an introduction on the tour bus. This is your chance to talk about the country, city, and specific sites while you drive.
Start with a simple “Good morning, my name is [your name], and I’d like to welcome you to Egypt!” This is your moment to shine. A warm smile and a few short, clear sentences will help you make a great first impression.
Next, start talking about Egypt or the city you’re driving through. Let the English language flow naturally. Don’t worry about making small grammatical mistakes; your group will understand that English is not your native language. Share your knowledge about your country and its culture, and even mention a few Arabic street names to make the experience more authentic.
Making a Great First Impression
Start by connecting with your group and putting a smile on their faces. The first impression is crucial. For small groups or individuals, this is easy—just ask a few simple questions. Find out about their professions or why they chose to visit Egypt. Don’t ask questions just to ask them; genuinely listen to their answers and then share a bit about yourself as well.
Timing is also key. Your initial speech should be short, lasting only one to five minutes. Give it on the bus just before you arrive at your first destination.
Managing Information
As a guide, you must always be a fountain of information, but you should never overwhelm your group. Distribute the information strategically. Think of your knowledge as a resource to spread out over the entire tour. For example, if you have 20 interesting facts and 10 places to visit, share two facts at each location. The more information you can share and the better you organize it, the more valuable you become as a guide.
Tour Management and Logistics
While tour representatives typically handle the big logistics, it’s a good idea for you as a guide to understand the entire process. This includes picking up the group from the airport.
Though you won’t personally handle visas or customs, going to the airport to meet the group is an excellent way to get to know them early. Your driver will handle navigation, and all you need to do is carry a sign with your company name and the group’s name. This simple step helps you build a rapport with the group right from the start.
Checking in a Group
First, call the hotel a few hours before the group arrives. Ask them to prepare the rooms and have the keys ready. When you pick up the group, call the hotel again about 15 minutes before you arrive. This gives the hotel staff time to get everything ready.
Once you arrive, have the group sit and enjoy a welcome drink while you handle the check-in. Tell them about the tour schedule and their meal options. At the front desk, complete the check-in process and put names on the room keys and your rooming list.
Show the group around the hotel. Point out key areas like the breakfast restaurant, pool, and bar. Don’t leave until you’re sure everyone has their luggage and is settled in their rooms without complaints.
Throughout the Tour
Always arrive at the hotel at least 20 minutes early the next day. This ensures you’re on time and ready to start the day’s excursions. Begin by providing information about the sites you will visit.
When it’s time for the group to check out, notify the front desk the night before. Confirm the check-out time, luggage drop-off, and breakfast schedule. This process repeats as the group moves between cities.
Always remember the small details. Ask the tour agency about special requests like birthday parties or honeymoon surprises. Guests appreciate a thoughtful, professional tour guide who pays attention to their needs. You can also offer small gifts, like free CDs of Egyptian music or cheap papyrus bookmarks. These small gestures make a big difference.
