30 Questions
What is one of the key aspects of upholding ethical standards in tourism?
Respecting local customs and traditions
What is the term for guides who volunteer for a small museum?
Docents
Who is considered the world's first travel writer and the Father of History?
Herodotus
During which era did tourism flourish with tour guides sharing discoveries and observations?
Greek Empire
What is the Greek term for leaders or guides?
Periegetai
During which era did the first travelers emerge, and the first tour guiding originate?
Ancient Empire
What was the primary role of guides during the Middle Ages?
Providing security and safe passage
What was the main reason for the decline in travel during the Middle Ages?
Economic decline and social chaos
What type of journeys were most common during the Middle Ages?
Religious pilgrimages and trade trips
How were guides recognized during the Middle Ages?
By relevant authorities
What was a unique aspect of a guide's role during the Middle Ages?
Creating safe behavior for travelers
Why were guides highly compensated during the Middle Ages?
For ensuring safe passage and creating safe behavior
What is the primary role of a tour guide?
To provide interesting or enlightening facts and information about an area
What type of tour guide is employed by the government?
Government Guide
What is an advantage of hiring driver-guides for tour companies?
It decreases manpower and is more economical
What type of tour guide is likely to be freelancers?
Urban/City Tour Guides
What is a characteristic of a driver guide's vehicle?
It has a freestanding microphone
What do driver guides do simultaneously?
Conduct tours and drive
What type of tourists arrive in large groups and generate a large volume of business?
Charter tourists
What is a consequence of mass tourism on local regions?
Eradication of the region's unique lifestyle
Why do people choose group travel?
For comfort, safety, education, economy, and companionship
What is a characteristic of charter tourists?
Requiring standardized services
What is the impact of mass tourism on local economies?
Strain on local economies
Why is it important for tour guides to understand the impact of mass tourism?
To interact with tourists effectively
What should visitors be reminded to do to maintain the region's environment?
Help maintain the region's clean and safe environment
What is the second 'sin' of service as applied to guiding?
Brushing customers off
What is the first question a guide should ask when handling customer complaints?
What exactly is the complaint?
What is the recommended reporting time for guides before the tour's departure?
30 minutes to 1 hour advance
What is the first 'commandment' of tour guiding?
SMILE
What is the most difficult circumstance in tour guiding?
Handling medical emergencies
Study Notes
Types of Tourists
- Charter tourists: arrive in large groups, demand impersonal and standardized services, and have a significant impact on the local region.
- Mass tourists: concerned with having Western-style amenities, which can strain local economies, environments, and cultures.
Impact of Mass Tourism
- Contributes to the eradication of the region's unique lifestyle.
- Places an undue strain on local economies, environments, and cultures.
- Creates stressful contacts between hosts and guests.
Group Travelers
- Can be classified into various types based on their interests, motivations, and the nature of their group.
- Primary reasons for choosing group travel: comfort, safety, education, economy, and companionship.
Ethical Standards for Tour Guides
- Respect local customs, traditions, and sensitivities.
- Promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
History of Tour Guiding
- Ancient Middle Ages: tour guides played a significant role in facilitating travel and exploration.
- Renaissance & Grand Tour: tourism flourished, with guides sharing discoveries and observations.
- Modern Age: docents are guides who volunteer for a small museum.
Types of Tour Guides
- Urban/City Tour Guides: tell the story of a city or region, often freelancers who contract their work on a tour-by-tour basis.
- Government Guides: employed by the local or national government to show the nation's most important histories, cultural and political policies to visitors.
- Driver Guides: conduct tours while driving motor coaches, vans, or cars, providing a more personalized service.
Ten Commandments of Tour Guiding
- Smile
- Dress properly
- Be patient
- Be ready
- Be friendly and courteous
- Be calm and positive
- Be prepared
- Study your people
- Protect other suppliers
- Be understanding, but firm
Seven Sins of Service as Applied to Guiding
- Treating customers with apathy
- Brushing customers off
- Being cold to customers
- Treating customers with arrogance
- Working like a robot
- Getting hung up on the rule book
- Giving customers "the run-around"
Handling Difficult Situations
- Safety issues: medical emergencies and motor coach breakdowns
- Handling complaints requires patience and diplomacy
- Guides should ask themselves: what exactly is the complaint, is it valid, and can it be resolved easily?
Explore the evolution of tour guiding from ancient times to the modern age, including the contributions of Herodotus, the father of history. Learn about the different periods, including the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Grand Tour. Discover the role of docents in museums around the world.
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