This is the season of Holidays, and holiday rush at most popular tourist destinations in India and abroad. After years of pandemic related issues, travel has finally bounced back into full business! According to the?UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization),?international tourism arrivals could reach 80-95% of pre-pandemic levels this year, even exceed. Looking at data, all regions of the world are witnessing tourism inflows, including Asia and the Pacific, some of which had longer lockdowns and COVID related restrictions.
While travel and tourism have bounced back after pandemic, it is also witnessing newer vistas, with creative reinvention. The trends are greater emphasis on cultural experiences, nostalgic travels and experiences, off-grid travel when people want to discover new places, budget friendly trips with family and experiences to newer and emerging places. Even marriages are being planned at new and exotic destinations, with variety of affordable experience.
There are several popular destinations. In India, some of these destinations are in Rajasthan (like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer), Goa, Kerala, Varanasi (which has witnessed resurgence and transformation), Amritsar, Prayagraj, Puri and Kashmir (with its renewed appeal). With the inauguration of Ram Mandir and rejuvenation of Ayodhya and neighbouring attractions, this is also being added to the attractions, probably quite high up due to its novelty. There are other popular destinations such as Manali, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Lonavala, Coorg, Darjeeling, Shillong and Munnar etc. As connectivity is greatly improving with infrastructure, and newer options with rail and air are emerging, travellers have variety of options.
In the international travel, recent visa-free arrangements with some of the countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia have led to great surge in interest. Tourists are also looking at Hong Kong and Singapore, Vietnam, Dubai, Phuket, Bangkok and Hanoi.
While the travellers choose the places based on their interest and budget, it is found that usually the travel experience can be substantially enhanced and made memorable by engaging a guide. Local tour guides and drivers are the principal interface between tourists, local community and the places. They can substantially help in planning the tour itinerary, reducing the cost, optimizing the time, help with economical entry tickets to tourist sites and museums etc. They can also advise on stays near the places of attractions to save on time and travel, and for those who have special needs like vegetarian meals or night life. Sometimes, in the absence of proper local guidance, the experience can be soured also.
One of the biggest factors for the travellers is the economy, both in purse and time. Global inflation rates are expected to remain higher than usual, and in several countries, runway inflation can raise cost-of-living. Then the cost of air travel or local journeys as also prices of entry in various attractions can substantially vary in different times of the year, and for most customers, guides can help plan price-driven travel in the most economical and time efficient way.
When customers book a guide for?travel experience, they do it with expectations, relying on reports about guides¡¯ expertise, local knowledge, and ability to provide with intelligent tips, travelling worry-free. It is important that they are able to choose between competing choices in this regard. It is usually better to choose after carefully studying online reports. While there are several options, it has been found by several experienced travellers that companies like ¡®tourhq.com¡¯ which has around 35,000 guides registered with them all over the world had been able to give them professional guidance and good alternative options, with satisfied travellers visible on the site.
The guide is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the travel experience by expertly navigating travellers through their destination and providing useful tips and support in planning itinerary.?
The guide can also help in handling administrative tasks, such as organizing transportation, managing flight bookings, and coordinating schedules. This can free you from logistical hassles, enabling you to focus on enjoying your trip.
Experienced tour guides have established relationships with local vendors, hotels, and attractions. This enables them to secure the best deals and discounts for you, helping you save money and time.
Good tour guides can serve as expert navigators, optimizing your time, ensuring that you don't get lost and plan your itinerary well. They know the best routes, landmarks, and hidden gems, allowing you to explore with confidence.
One of the important roles of tour guides is to prioritize your safety, they know the potential risks and sensitivity of the local people. They are familiar with safety protocols, what is going on and ensuring you feel secure throughout your journey.
Tour guides also act as interpreters, bridging the language and cultural gaps between travellers and local community. They facilitate communication, provide cultural context, and offer insights into the historical and cultural significance of the places you visit, prioritizing them in accordance with your interests.
Good tour guides also have a keen eye for capturing memorable moments. They can help take photos of you and your group at iconic landmarks from best possible locations, ensuring that you have high-quality mementos of your trip.
With their extensive knowledge and attention to detail, good tour guides ensure that you don't miss out on any important sights, attractions, or experiences. They plan itineraries carefully, ensuring that you get a comprehensive and well-rounded exploration of the destination.
Columbus was one of the earliest guides, while exploring new places, it is better to take the assistance of good guides for enhanced experience.
The author has been India¡¯s Executive Director in the World Bank, Secretary Culture, Govt. of India & Chairman of Competition Commission of India.