It looks like we spoke too soon when we thought we had wrapped up our series on Conducting tours: A career to explore! An amazing reader, came through with some fantastic questions that we simply couldn’t ignore. The curiosity and engagement have inspired us to dive back in and address the topics that matter most to her, and I believe, to you as well.
I seize this opportunity to thank all my readers for the compliments received privately on the series. Among them is this:
The insights from Mr. Sracooh provide a valuable perspective on the career progression and the realities of working as a tour guide in Ghana.
In this follow-up article, I allow the Reader to dialogue directly with my Guest expert and content partner, Mr. Sracooh, while I grab a cup of hot cocoa drink, listening in.
READER: How does the lack of a formal competency model in Ghana affect the career prospects of aspiring tour guides?
GUEST: Tour guiding is a profession; practitioners therefore need to be trained in the art and science of guiding; practitioners can undertake self-development and grow; it all depends on one’s objectives.
READER: What are the specific competencies that are most valued in the tour guiding industry in Ghana?
GUEST: Cultural knowledge, communication skills, language proficiency, Interpersonal skills, Problem-solving abilities, Organizational skills, and Safety awareness.
READER: How can aspiring tour guides best prepare themselves to meet the industry expectations?
GUEST: Through continuous research and continuous reading; taking advantage of seminars, workshops and conferences; being abreast with developments across the country and across the globe (political, socio-economic, peace and safety, environmental, climate change and impact, cultural dynamics, new human trends, etc.); cross-cultural differences; following the news in both traditional and social media; undertaking frequent study-tours (fam tours); attending and participating in local organized socio-cultural programs (rites, festivals, funerals and other celebrations), probing and giving attention to details, etc.
READER: According to you, what role does passion play in sustaining a career in tour guiding?
GUEST: Passion is very important: it ignites the interest; it sustains the momentum; it goads one on; it renders all obstacles easily surmountable; stokes inner joy and makes one to literally ‘befriend’ the job.
READER: How do challenges like disrespect and unfair treatment by tour operators impact the morale and performance of tour guides?
GUEST: It may be discouraging for some guides; BUT it is countered by interest and passion and selectivity; one has to have his/her operational policy e. g. not working for just any tour operator (as in my case); knowing your worth and being assertive (i. e. what do you have to offer? what or how much are you offering it for? what are your terms, is it just anything goes?); one important thing is that you can subtly educate the operators through your performance and evaluation by the guests (some operators genuinely are ignorant about, or lack appreciation of tour guiding).
READER: What measures can be taken to ensure that tour guides are treated more fairly and their work is valued?
GUEST: Engagement at personal level (through education and dialogue); belonging to TORGAG, the professional Association, which continues to work on value, recognition and fair play by engaging the operators (dialogue, consensus, negotiations, joint organized programs) encouraging guests to publish feedback on guides performances; intervention and involvement by GTA , the licensing and regulatory body; etc.
READER: How does the tour guide career progression in Ghana compare to other countries with more established tourism industries?
GUEST: These issues have to do with ‘customization’. Ghana may not necessarily have the system and structures that pertain in those other “more established tourism countries “, but we have our system that is workable and unique to us; the progression ladder may not be the same, but it is rewarding to be a tour guide in Ghana (if only one is serious). One interesting thing is that guides trained in Ghana and who may have practiced in Ghana, equally fit into the systems of those other countries: I can tell of 3 HOTCATT-trained Ghanaian tour guides who have been practicing in the US for years, another one in Italy, and a few others scattered around.
READER: How important is language proficiency for tour guides in Ghana?
GUEST: Tour guiding essentially hinges on language; enhances clear and easy communication between guide and guests; builds one’s confidence and endears him/her to the guest(s); being bilingual or poly-lingual is a plus as that is a recipe for handling groups of various language backgrounds, hence making you special; much more in the case of Ghana, very few people are proficient in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, etc. hence, proficiency in any of those languages makes one special; however, proficiency in English alone is still ok for the fact that English is the most spoken international language and so globally, many speak and understand it; the better one’s English, the better one’s chances of handling sophisticated tours [so to speak].
READER: In what ways can the Ghana Tourism Authority support the professional development of tour guides?
GUEST: GTA needs to genuinely and committedly recognize tour guiding as an important facet of the tourism experience value chain; treat and relate with the professional body, TORGAG, as a credible collaborator and partner in the industry; liaise and collaborate with the official tour guiding training school, HOTCATT, to vigorously pursue and carry out its mandate; and relatedly, support the Institute with part of the accruals of the Tourism Levy to procure appropriate – if not state-of-the-art – training tools and infrastructure for enhanced and effective training. They need to establish a credible and equitable relationship framework between the tour guides and tour operators; pursue vigorously and fairly, the tour guides licensing mandate conferred on them.
HOST: Wow…I’m glad we did this!
My general observation is that interested individuals must aim at self-development and should be passionate enough to pursue their own career goals. Also,
- Tour guiding is all about people. Develop strong interpersonal skills to connect with your guests, understand their needs, and provide exceptional service.
- The tourism industry is dynamic. Keep up with the latest trends and technologies in tour guiding to stay competitive and offer unique experiences.
- Seek opportunities for hands-on experience. Volunteer, intern, or work with established tour guides to learn the ropes and build your confidence.
- Ensure you are knowledgeable about safety protocols and emergency procedures. The safety of your guests should always be a top priority.
- Build a network with other professionals in the tourism industry. Collaborating with local businesses and other guides can open up new opportunities and enhance your tours.
- Every tour is different. Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and guest preferences. Flexibility is a valuable trait in this field.
- Encourage eco-friendly practices and educate your guests about the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural and cultural heritage.
There’s a lot to do in this area particularly knowing that individuals must take up this responsibility. A strong professional association comes handy too, playing a significant and supportive role.
