Pippa Corbett answered
There are a number of qualities that make a great tour guide.
When tourists are being shown around the sites of a town or city, they want to be immersed in a different world.
Therefore, a tour guide's job is a balancing act between being entertaining, and conveying information.
The qualities of a tour guide I recently went on a holiday to Rome, Italy with a group of friends, and we decided to join a guided tour of the downtown area.
We were taken to a host of breath-taking ancient Roman sites like the Foro Romano and the Colosseum.
Our tour guide was great, because he really made history come alive. So - based on his enthusiastic and energetic approach - here are a couple of qualities I'd say make a good tour guide:
1. Ability to communicate- Our guide in Italy was a lovely man called
Giulio.
Yes, he had a stereotypical Italian accent, but he was 100% clear when speaking in English, and didn't rush through things - even when we were running behind schedule.
He took his time, answered questions and really allowed us to appreciate and understand every aspect of our tour.
2. Engaging and enthusiastic- Giulio's personality was very energetic and passionate. I could tell straight away that he loved his city, and that he wanted to share its history with us.
He also loved cracking jokes and engaging with us, and he made us feel really welcome and looked-after.
3. Knowledgeable- A good tour guide will know what he's talking about, but a GREAT tour guide will know his stuff inside-out.
Giulio was great, because he knew all the interesting and quirky facts you wouldn't usually find in history books.
When tourists are being shown around the sites of a town or city, they want to be immersed in a different world.
Therefore, a tour guide's job is a balancing act between being entertaining, and conveying information.
The qualities of a tour guide I recently went on a holiday to Rome, Italy with a group of friends, and we decided to join a guided tour of the downtown area.
We were taken to a host of breath-taking ancient Roman sites like the Foro Romano and the Colosseum.
Our tour guide was great, because he really made history come alive. So - based on his enthusiastic and energetic approach - here are a couple of qualities I'd say make a good tour guide:
1. Ability to communicate- Our guide in Italy was a lovely man called
Giulio.
Yes, he had a stereotypical Italian accent, but he was 100% clear when speaking in English, and didn't rush through things - even when we were running behind schedule.
He took his time, answered questions and really allowed us to appreciate and understand every aspect of our tour.
2. Engaging and enthusiastic- Giulio's personality was very energetic and passionate. I could tell straight away that he loved his city, and that he wanted to share its history with us.
He also loved cracking jokes and engaging with us, and he made us feel really welcome and looked-after.
3. Knowledgeable- A good tour guide will know what he's talking about, but a GREAT tour guide will know his stuff inside-out.
Giulio was great, because he knew all the interesting and quirky facts you wouldn't usually find in history books.
