Professional Tour Leader Standards

Professional Tour Leader Standards

Throughout our decades in business, we have found that tour leaders who hold themselves to the following standards receive the highest praise and are the most requested – characteristics of a true professional!

Professional Tour Leader Standards

A professional tour leader:

  • provides skilled presentation of knowledge, interprets and highlights surroundings, informs and maintains objectivity and enthusiasm in an engaging manner.
  • is prepared for each tour when the itinerary is furnished in advance. A professional tour leader assumes responsibility for reporting on time and for meeting appointments and all schedules within the tour leader’s control.
  •  has a wide range of knowledge of the city, including its history and architecture, its culture and political life, and local folklore. A professional tour leader keeps current on new exhibits, seasonal events, and other changes throughout the city. A professional tour leader does not knowingly give out misinformation.
  • is knowledgeable about the best routes for all tours. This includes familiarity with the traffic laws as well as the idiosyncrasies of the destination driving. A professional tour leader informs the driver of the route in a calm, polite, and timely fashion.
  • is sensitive to the interests and values of the tour group and does not share his/her views on controversial subjects such as sex, religion, and politics.
  • dresses appropriately for the type of tour being conducted.
  • is expected to follow the rules and regulations at all sites and facilities where he/she takes visitors and acts accordingly.
  • accepts each tour as a serious commitment and cancels only when absolutely necessary and provides as much advance notice as possible.
  • knows and follows the policies of the company for whom the tour leader is working at the time. A professional tour leader does not attempt to divert business from the company which has employed him or her to another. A tour leader does not accept or solicit a job from a client met through a company hired by that client without the consent of the company. Personal business cards are not given to any tour participants met through the booking company and business-related communication with the client are made only through the company.
  •  does not solicit tips.
  • does not initiate patronization of souvenir shops and other places that practice “kickback” payments to the guide and/or drivers; or abuse complimentary meal privileges offered by food establishments.