1. Tour Guiding Techniques
MA. DOLORES SALAMANCA
August 01, 2012

2. Tourists People who leave their homes to temporarily visit a place
They should be spending and not earning money from the place they visit
Reasons can be pleasure, meetings or seminars
With the intention of learning something about the place like its history, people, culture

3. Attractions which can be site itself or an event
Basic factors for a successful
tourist destination
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Attractions which can be site itself or an event
Amenities or facilities like accommodation, food, local, transportation, communication and entertainment at the site
Accessibility
Peace and order

4. Product is not brought to the consumer;
Characteristics of Tourism
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Product is not brought to the consumer;
The tourism product is not used up, it doesn’t exhaust the country’s natural resources;
People-oriented;
Labor-intensive;
Multi-dimensional;
Seasonal;
Dynamic;
Characterized by the changing ideas of its customers.

5. First impression of tourists play a very important role
Nature of Tour Reception
& Guiding
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
First impression of tourists play a very important role
Receiving tourists is just like receiving guests in your home
Show the best without boasting or overdoing
Guiding is not simply telling them “to your left, to your left”, there’s a lot more into it.

6. Always act with tact and diplomacy in dealing with the guests
Duties and Responsibilities
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Provide them information and explanations about the place honestly without prejudice;
Ensure a factual presentation, make sure to distinguish the truth stories, legends, traditions;
Act fairly and reasonably in all dealings with colleagues and co-workers;
Always act with tact and diplomacy in dealing with the guests

7. Always report for duty healthy and positive
Nature of Tour Reception
& Guiding
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Always report for duty healthy and positive
Never take advantage of the ignorance of the tourists
Never allow yourself to be used by unscrupulous organizations who want to take advantage of the tourists
Use common sense and be honest by saying “ I don’t know,…I will check,..”

8. Ensure guest’s safety, warn them on:
Nature of Tour Reception
& Guiding
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Ensure guest’s safety, warn them on:
Plants that might cause some allergies
Food and drinks that might not suit their digestive system
Elevation for those with vertigo and fear of height
Dogs that might bite
Presence of pickpockets in crowded areas

9. Act responsibly as representative of the country and the people
Nature of Tour Reception
& Guiding
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Protect the reputation of tourism by making every assignment a treat, with respect to the environment, wildlife, sights & monuments, local customs & traditions
Act responsibly as representative of the country and the people

10. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Communication Skills
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Language proficiency
Avoid using highfalutin words, use simple, easy to understand words
Try to get rid of regional accent
Use synonyms to explain, to describe something
Use non-verbal communication in a difficult thing or situation

11. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Communication Skills
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Speak audibly, not too soft and not too loud
Conduct your commentary in a relaxed, entertaining manner (they came here to enjoy, remember)

12. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Be prepared, study the destination
Plan your spiel or commentary, it should be structured
Have an update on the local and global news and environmental issues
Intercede when necessary in the interaction with the guest and the locals
Be aware on the basic human behavior and attitudes

13. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Do research to back up your facts
Be ready for pertinent and impertinent questions
In cases of having more than one guide, find some time to sit down, discuss to synchronize information & learn from each other
Never tell your personal life at first meeting

14. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Never sell anything at first meeting unless they ask
Be punctual at all times. Be there at least one hour before the tour starts
Learn map reading
Learn how to say NO to indecent proposals

15. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Always make a head count before, during and after the tour, especially on stops
Be practical when making judgment, think of the benefit of the majority
Be a good decision maker
Learn basic first aid

16. Qualities of an effective Tour Guide
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Love of country
People-loving
Open-mindedness
Tactfulness
Punctuality
Proper decorum
Honesty
resourcefulness

17. Qualities of an effective Tour Guide
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Self- confidence
Sense of humor
Enthusiasm
Fairness in treatment
Good health
Good communicator
Patience
Reasonable
Assertiveness
Humble and polite

18. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Steps on how to make a
commentary
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Begin with a smile, greeting and introduction
Brief the guests about the tour for the day
Review the inclusions and exclusions of the tour
Give the distance and traveling time of the destination

19. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Steps on how to make a
commentary
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
What to expect from the tour
Give necessary precautions
Do not miss to point important landmarks along the way
Announce comfort stops
Always do the head count

20. Start with a greeting or introduction
Tips for an effective tour
commentary
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Start with a greeting or introduction
Information should be delivered in a manner that would interest the guests
Sense of humor should be part of the delivery of information
Remember, commentaries help people understand and appreciate what they actually see

21. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Steps on how to make a
commentary
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Face the group, not a few
Speak slowly and clearly
Voice should be audible
Practice eye contact
Prepare yourself for questions to be asked
Take control of your breathing and emphasize important words

22. TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Steps on how to make a
commentary
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Use synonyms, example in explaining something
When mentioning a name, repeat it or spell it
Maintain silence, if the need arises
Listen carefully to questions and other concerns
Never argue with the guests
End your tour always by thanking the guests

23. Thank You for Listening and Good Luck!
TOURIST RECEPTION & GUIDING TECHNIQUES FOR GK MABUHAY GUIDES
Thank You for Listening and Good Luck!