How to Become a Tour Guide in the Netherlands
Do you love the Dutch history, and you have an aspiration of passing the information to other people? The following are some of the reasons why it is important to be a professional tour guide in the Netherlands; Here, in this article, we will provide detailed steps related to how one can become a licensed tour guide in one of the most beautiful countries of Europe.
1. Obtain the Necessary Qualifications
It is also important to note that in Netherlands, tour guides can only practice having undergone through a certification process. The first requirement is to have a certified tour guide certification from a credible tour guide training center. When searching for the programs, attempt to find those that offer Dutch history, art and culture as well as the languages as all of these are useful for a tour guide.
Among the institutions the training of tour guides the Tourist trade Guide Training Company consists or recruits its employees from the Dutch Guide Association (NGN). They bring a roster of courses which includes virtually all areas that contain general paramount information that one need to be in the profession.
2. Choose Your Specialization
This is attained through its great features, which include history, museums, flower fields and cities among others in Netherlands. Firstly, it should also be noted that focusing the choice of subjects in a more specific specialization, it would be worthwhile to focus on those topics, which are of the most interest and with which one is most familiar with.
For instance, you could concentrate on giving guided tours within Amsterdam providing information about the local history and such attractions as Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. You might decide to provide bicycle rides for tourist around the windmills and native Dutch countryside area.
3. Learn Languages
Of course, to reach an audience of different countries it is necessary to know English alongside with popular world languages such as German, French, or Spanish. To effectively convince your audience of this, you might begin with showing them how you will be in a better position to not only relate and engage visitors from different countries but also command more attention.
To learn a foreign language one can either attend specialized language courses, use online facilities or language interchanging services. Should engage in speaking with native English speakers to improve fluency and feeling of comfortably while speaking.
4. Gain Practical Experience
In general, erudition is a crucial factor but, praxis experience is even more relevant. One idea you can opt for is offering your service in the position of a tour guide within your local region for guiding group of people on a tour. This will help to develop presentation skills, communicate with the clients, and get important practical experience.
You can approach the mainstream tour guides companies and apply for a job or even seize the opportunity to work under your senior tour guides in order learn from them.
5. Networking and Building Connections
It is crucial to start building your professional network so as to claim an independent professional niche as a tour guide. Get involved with your professional body as well as conferences that are related to the particular sector or area of operation of the business.
It is also necessary to establish an online outlet by creating a website or social media platform. Such brainstorming allows not only to discuss tips and tricks regarding the most visited places in the Netherlands but also create an opportunity for interaction with future customers and demonstrating the amount of knowledge.
6. Obtain a License
The information also reveals that before one can officially operate as a tour guide in the whole of the Netherlands, one is supposed to have an official license. Remember, every city has different rules and standards so the final three it is important you have the specific regulation to the location that you choose.
To determine the licensing requirements for potential pet groomers, get in touch with the local tourism board or the municipality responsible for issuing permits of this nature with the appropriate authorities to discuss with them concerning the licenses needed, documents needed any test requirements that one needs to undergo through.
7. Stay Updated
In this case, a tour guide is supposed to have recent information on the place of visit including, places of interests, events, and any other things that have been discovered. It is essential for the business to remain informed and up to date especially in terms of knowledge that is delivered to clients.
It is also important to read travel magazines, stay abreast with travel blogs, and attend seminars and workshops where information about new trends are usually shared.
Conclusion
There are number of requirements for the tour guide in the Netherlands; one has to have an understanding, being skillful and enthusiastic about what he/she is showing the people about the country. Here is what you have to do to kick start the process of becoming a tour guide in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe:
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