Kim Ping asserts that a tour guide should have three key qualities: knowledge, passion and empathy. According to her, a good tour guide should have a deep understanding of a destination’s history, culture, and attractions and convey that passionately, making the tour more engaging and informative. Tour guiding can also be demanding, especially when dealing with large groups or challenging situations. A patient and empathetic guide can handle difficult situations gracefully, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
With impeccable ratings from her customers, Kim Ping is insistent on receiving feedback during and after the tour to know how her guests are doing in real-time and understand if everything was up to their expectations. If there were any shortcomings, feedback allows her to review and improve on things she could have done better. But there is nothing quite like a five-star glowing review: an affirmation of a job well done that continues to motivate our stellar guide to showcase Singapore in the best light and attract both new and repeat visitors to the city-state.
Her message for young, aspiring individuals who want to join the travel industry and become guides is to be pragmatic and prepared for any uncertainty.