9 proven ways to keep your tour guides motivated all year long

guides, keeping them motivated is central to ensuring the success and reputation of your company. 

Tour guides are the face of your business, and their enthusiasm and engagement play a pivotal role in shaping customers’ perceptions of your brand. This article explores various strategies to foster positivity, reduce turnover, and keep your tour guides passionate and happy.

Foster positivity at work

Your tour guides are the ambassadors of your tour and activity business. A cheerful and enthusiastic guide can turn an ordinary tour into an unforgettable adventure. Therefore, it’s essential to create a positive work environment that encourages your tour guides to bring their best selves to work every day. 

A positive atmosphere boosts their morale and helps them deliver exceptional customer service, resulting in satisfied customers, positive reviews, and repeat business.

Pro Tip: Social proof is one of the most valuable currencies in the attractions industry. A direct ask from a popular tour guide can easily persuade a participant to leave a positive public review of their experience. 

Reduce turnover

When tour guides are satisfied with their jobs, they are more likely to stay committed and dedicated to their roles. Reduced turnover not only saves you time and resources spent on training new guides but also helps maintain a consistent level of service and quality. 

Driven tour guides are more invested in the success of your business, leading to improved overall performance and customer satisfaction.

Ways to motivate your tour guides from tour operators

Tips straight from the FareHarbor Community

Over 2,000 tour and activity operators from across the world participate in FareHarbor’s Online Community. With peer guidance, business owners can ask their most burning questions and receive real-world expertise and support. 

Recently, one operator inquired about how to keep employees motivated throughout the year. Here’s how the group responded — kept anonymous for privacy. 

Open up communication with your staff:

“We do monthly one to ones with our staff which is a great way to provide feedback and listen to their perspectives as well. We also pay a commission based on their KPIs. We implemented that at the beginning of this year and it’s been a game changer.”

Ask your guests about employee performance:

“I put a survey in my final email that guests can choose to take. It asks about their tour and guide. I use that to identify where we’re doing things right and where we need to shore up.”

Create engaging incentives or friendly competitions: 

“We created bingo cards for all the employees. The first one with a bingo gets a bonus. The first one with an X gets a bigger bonus. The first one with a full blackout gets a significant bonus. Items on the card get them motivated and my team has been very competitive about it. Squares could include “5 Star Review”, picking up a last minute booking/shift, meeting someone from Colorado, selling a merchandise item, etc.”

Now let’s dive into a few more ideas.

Create a “tour guide of the month” program

Implementing an “Employee of the Month” program specifically tailored for tour guides is an excellent way to recognize and reward their exceptional efforts. This recognition not only boosts their self-esteem but also encourages healthy competition among the team members. Consider offering rewards like: 

• Gift cards
• A recognition wall featuring their picture
• Extra vacation days 
• VIP parking spots 

Also consider showcasing their accomplishments on your website’s “meet the team” page. Keep in mind that being a tour guide means being “on stage” throughout the day and dealing with difficult customer personalities. Showing your appreciation of their efforts is a daily task. 

Team building and professional development

Team building activities help strengthen the bonds among your tour guides, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Activities can range from fun off-site outings to more formal workshops designed to enhance their communication and collaboration skills. 

Additionally, offering professional development opportunities, such as public speaking training and certifications, shows your investment in their growth and career progression.

Other shows of appreciation

Expressing your appreciation for your tour guides doesn’t always have to be extravagant. Simple gestures like holiday cards with small gifts, surprise office snacks and drinks, or even gift cards to local eateries can go a long way in making them feel valued.

Job perks

Providing job-related perks can motivate your tour guides by making their daily tasks more convenient and enjoyable. Consider offering free or discounted equipment they use on the job, like specialized gear or transportation options. A gym membership, for example, promotes their well-being and demonstrates your commitment to their personal development.

Being a part of the tourism industry makes giving perks easy. You can give them a free offering at your business or at another local operation. Bonus! This can also serve as a learning experience to see another tour guide in action. 

Motivating tour guides is a strategy that pays off in many ways. A motivated team leads to better customer experiences, positive reviews, and enhanced business success. By fostering positivity, implementing recognition programs, offering professional development, and providing job-related perks, you can create an environment where your tour guides thrive and stay engaged.

Remember, these strategies not only benefit your current guides but also contribute to a positive company culture that attracts and retains talent, making the hiring process smoother. So, take the time to invest in your tour guides and watch your business flourish as a result.