If you’ve landed on this article page, you’re probably searching for a
good business idea—an idea that’s light on the pocket but heavy on
returns, promising both a fulfilling journey and potential profit.
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Making Money As A Travel/Tour Guide Professional
The travel and tourism space is quite a goldmine for people to
thrive and make a fortune from being a
of the hospitality and travel industry as a tourist guide
People with less understanding of a particular city would need
the services of tour
guides to
lead them through historical sites, museums and other
destinations to give the history of events and happenings in a
particular region of the country, place, culture and so many.
However, to make a sustainable income from the tourism industry,
it is crucial to cater to the demands of the business as it
needs persons with a
broad understanding of what tourism and tour guide’s
responsibilities, skills, and necessary qualifications to
function in that space.
For people with the intent to become travel/tour guards, to
excel, they must showcase characteristics to make them excel in
the field of tourism.
To excel in the tourism/ tour guide space, acquiring in-depth
knowledge and developing a deep understanding of Nigeria’s
culture, history, landmarks, geography, and attractions.
Familiarizing oneself with the various regions, cities, and
tourist sites in the country. Books, courses, and research will
help to boost to make it easier
Practical experience in the tourism industry like working as an
assistant or intern at a travel agency, hotel, or tour operator
provides valuable firsthand knowledge and helps you understand
the industry.
Establishing relationships with local tour operators, travel
agencies, and other professionals in the tourism industry and
also, attending industry events and conferences to grow their
network and gain insights from experienced tour guides will help
position the tour guide practitioner.
Empathy and understanding: To be successful as a tour guide,
being able to demonstrate empathy and understanding to clients
is important. Guides should also be sensitive and able to
accommodate a guest with individualized needs.
Charisma and friendliness: Encouraging effective conversations,
demonstrating passion, asking questions and providing
information in an interesting way can be excellent ways of
building rapport with clients. When guides exhibit a cheerful,
engaging demeanor, they encourage tourists to come back to the
area another time.
Flexibility and the ability to improvise: To ensure tourists
remain interested in listening, guides may have to change their
tone, wording or content. Guides may also have to look for
visual cues from their clients, adopt new ways of working and
stay up-to-date on trends and technological innovations.
Story-telling skills: Tourists can tell the difference between a
guide who is genuinely enthusiastic and one who is not. Take the
time to learn the history of the places on your tour so that you
can tell engaging stories.
Punctuality: Guides have a schedule to follow with a specific
amount of time allocated for every trip activity. Being
organized is a key to being punctual and remaining on schedule.
Problem-solving skills: Often challenges arise suddenly and
unexpectedly, leaving guides with limited time and resources to
find a solution. Tour guides with problem-solving skills exhibit
creative and innovative thinking, resilience and strong
analytical skills.
Leadership abilities: To keep to their schedule and ensure
clients get the best experience, tourist guides need to exhibit
leadership abilities that help them keep everyone in their group
on track. Great tour guides also demonstrate leadership
qualities like integrity, gratitude, influence and learning
agility.
Recruit Staff: Medium to large scale tourism businesses requires
a skilled workforce. Before hiring, screen candidates to
ascertain the level of their knowledge and skills. The screening
process saves you from the hassle of hiring incompetent
employees. Crash courses or in-depth trainings goes a long way
in improving the productivity of your employees, and in
extension, business.
It is advisable to obtain necessary licenses and permits check
local regulations and requirements for obtaining licenses or
permits to work as a tour guide in Nigeria. While, this may be
some qualifications or certifications needed to legally operate
as a tour guide in some area of the country.
The certifications and licenses to obtain to include that of
Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Guide License,
First Aid and CPR Certification .
Developing a catalogue showcasing the tour guide’
expertise, qualifications, and experience. Include any relevant
certifications, testimonials, language proficiency, and a list
of tour itineraries been offered could be a catch for
prospective clients.
This portfolio can be
shared with potential employers or used to market yourself as a
freelance tour guide.
The ability to create an online presence, staying updated by
keeping up with the latest industry trends, travel regulations,
and safety guidelines is an essential part of this industry and
ensuring clear communication with clients, be attentive to their
needs, provide accurate information, and tailor experiences to
their preferences.
Carving a niche in a specific area to differentiate the tour
guide in the market and offering specialized experiences and
adhering to ethical practices are essential to operate as a tour
guide.
Although Nigerians do not take the tourism business as a money
spinning venture, but, those practicing this profession, are
making hundreds of thousands from just going on a single trip
with their clients.
It is important for tourism businesses in Nigeria
to understand the seasonal patterns of their target
market and adjust their marketing and pricing strategies
accordingly. By doing so, they can maximize their profits and
provide better services to their customers.
With proper planning, investment, and management, the industry
can create more jobs, generate more revenue, and contribute to
the socio-economic development of the region.
Get our Practical Guide on How to start a Tour Guide business in Nigeria. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the fundamentals of starting and running a successful Tour Guide Business in Nigeria, from initial planning to profitability. We’ll cover key factors like identifying in-demand niches, establishing a strong brand, marketing effectively, optimizing operations and delivering an exceptional student experience.
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