How to Become a Tour Guide in Europe
Introduction
Europe is an enchanting and culturally diverse continent which attracts over numerous tourists each year. For people with a love for history, art and storytelling, being a tour guide in Europe can be a very fulfilling career to make. This post is a step-by-step guide on how to become a successful tour guide in Europe, from the knowledge and ability to get hired.
Step 1: Gain Expertise
Before going into the business as a tour guide you should gain a huge knowledge of the places you want to guide around. Start by picking a particular country or zone within Europe and rummage just into its history, culture and attractions. Visit museums and libraries. Read books and online courses.
Also, learn a widely used language in the country you will be visiting. Being able to converse in the local language or with tourists in their own language will give a great impact on your tour guiding skills.
Step 2: Obtain Relevant Certifications
Obtaining certification is not always required but having one will really boost your credibility as a tour guide. Find local or national tour guide training programs that cover wide range of topics such as historical facts, storytelling techniques, crowd control.
Some well known certification for tour guides in Europe are European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) certification and World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) certification. These certifications will not only educate you more regarding but will also add to much more task possibilities.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
The most effective method to improve as a tour guide is through on-the-job training. First off the chopping block, go around the block now and offer volunteer services for local tour companies or museums to get practical experience for leading groups. This will enable you to grow your selling skills, adapt to various audiences and pick up necessary crowd administration skills.
If it is possible, be an apprentice to an experienced tour guide. A mentor can give you valuable lessons and show you the ways of giving a good and informative tour.
Step 4: Create a Professional Portfolio
In order to succeed in the competitive tour guide industry, having a professional portfolio is highly necessary. That would be your credentials, quotation from prior clients or managers, sketches of your self in action, and a breakdown of the locations and topics you are dedicated to, and so forth.
Think of creating a personal website or a website on platforms available on the web to put your portfolio. An online presence will help make it a simple task to be found by any potential employer or client.
Step 5: Find Employment Opportunities
When you are sure in your knowledge, skills and portfolio, it is the time to look for job as a tour guide in Europe. Some options are:
Get in touch with regional travel businesses as well as travel agencies: Lots of travel business employ free lance or full time tour guides. Email them your resume and portfolio pointing out your strengths and specialism.
Be a sole tour guide: If you believe in running your own show, effectively consider conducting custom tours as a self-employed guide. Customize your own itineraries & market yourself using social media, travel blogs, local tourist boards.
Job opportunities for seasonal workers; when the tourist season gets peak, there is a need for additional tour guides in many European cities. Know about vacancies for shorter term contracts in places like popular tourist resorts.
Conclusion
Getting a job as a European tour guide is a great chance to disseminate your love of culture and history and simultaneously assist voyagers in exploring the opportunities which the continent has to offer. Make sure to constantly grow your knowledge, learn by doing and advertise yourself with a professional portfolio. Although it will require a lot of hard work and effort, if you stay true to your passion for Europe, you will be able to turn it into a successful job as a tour guide.
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