Sightseeing Guide Onboarding Checklist

Sightseeing Guide Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Sightseeing Guide starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Tourism onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Sightseeing Guide, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Sightseeing Guide onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Sightseeing Guide Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new sightseeing guide should receive a comprehensive orientation about the company, its mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated supervisor who provides an overview of the company’s history, culture, and expectations.

2. Training on company policies and procedures: The sightseeing guide should be trained on various company policies and procedures, including safety protocols, customer service standards, and emergency procedures. This training is usually conducted by the HR department or a designated trainer.

3. Familiarization with tour itineraries: The new guide should be provided with detailed information about the different tour itineraries offered by the company. This includes learning about the routes, landmarks, historical facts, and any specific instructions or guidelines for each tour. The tour operations manager or a senior guide typically performs this task.

4. Shadowing experienced guides: To gain practical knowledge and learn the ropes of the job, the new sightseeing guide should shadow experienced guides during actual tours. This allows them to observe and learn from experienced professionals, understand customer interactions, and familiarize themselves with the tour logistics. Senior guides or trainers usually perform this task.

5. Learning about local attractions and landmarks: Sightseeing guides should have in-depth knowledge about the local attractions, landmarks, historical sites, and cultural aspects of the destination. The new guide should be provided with resources, such as guidebooks, maps, and online platforms, to study and familiarize themselves with the local area. This task can be performed by the tour operations manager or a designated trainer.

6. Training on customer service skills: Excellent customer service is crucial in the tourism industry. The new sightseeing guide should receive training on effective communication, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and providing exceptional service. This training is typically conducted by the HR department or a designated trainer.

7. Learning about transportation logistics: Sightseeing guides should be knowledgeable about transportation logistics, such as bus routes, schedules, and ticketing systems. The new guide should receive training on these aspects to ensure smooth coordination with transportation providers. The tour operations manager or a designated trainer usually performs this task.

8. Safety and first aid training: As the safety of tourists is paramount, the new sightseeing guide should receive training on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and basic first aid. This training is typically conducted by the HR department or a designated trainer who is certified in first aid.

9. Familiarization with audiovisual equipment: Many sightseeing tours utilize audiovisual equipment, such as microphones, speakers, and multimedia devices. The new guide should be trained on how to operate and troubleshoot this equipment to ensure seamless delivery of information during tours. The tour operations manager or a designated technician typically performs this task.

10. Introduction to local tour guides’ associations: The new sightseeing guide should be introduced to local tour guides’ associations or professional organizations that provide networking opportunities, industry updates, and resources for professional development. The HR department or a senior guide can assist in connecting the new guide with these associations.

11. Reviewing company branding and marketing materials: The new sightseeing guide should review the company’s branding and marketing materials, such as brochures, websites, and social media platforms. This helps them understand the company’s image, messaging, and target audience. The marketing department or a designated representative typically performs this task.

12. Familiarization with company software and technology: Many tourism companies use software and technology for booking, scheduling, and customer management. The new guide should receive training on these systems to ensure efficient operations. The IT department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

13. Understanding cultural sensitivity and diversity: Sightseeing guides often interact with tourists from diverse backgrounds. The new guide should receive training on cultural sensitivity, diversity awareness, and how to provide an inclusive experience for all customers. This training is typically conducted by the HR department or a designated trainer.

14. Reviewing company policies on sustainability and responsible tourism: Many tourism companies have policies and initiatives related to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The new sightseeing guide should review these policies to ensure they align with the company’s values and can promote sustainable tourism. The HR department or a designated representative typically performs this task.

15. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The new sightseeing guide should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, or certifications, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in the tourism industry. The HR department or a designated representative can provide this information and support the guide’s professional growth

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Sightseeing Guide checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Sightseeing Guide up to speed and working well in your Tourism team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.