Serif Yenen as a Tourist Guide
Serif Yenen has been leading tours in Istanbul and all over Turkey since 1989. In all of his tours, Serif Yenen uses his own style treating his guests as travelers by focusing on interactions with locals, and not as tourists with pre-arranged events where locals are well-experienced in dealing with foreigners, which can eliminate the possibility of spontaneous or sincere interaction with people.
Best Tourist Guide of the year 2006
Serif Yenen was awarded as the Best Tourist Guide of the year 2006 by Skalite. He has many other awards for his excellent guiding services.
VIP Guide
He is also asked to give guiding services to VIPs like celebrities, statesmen, high officials and business people among whom are Pope Benedict XVI, Oprah Winfrey, Princess Michael of Kent, Robert Davis (Deputy Leader – Westminster City Council, 2008), Sir Simon Milton (Deputy Mayor for London, 2008), (ASTA President, 2008), Chris White (Chairman & CEO of Global Events Partners-GEP, 2008), Dr. George Friedman (Chairman and Chief Intelligence Officer of STRATFOR-Strategic Forecasting Inc., 2009), Mojo TV, Matt Lauer and Lester Holt (Today Show-NBC, 2008), Vince Cook (CEO of Grand Circle Travel-GCT, 2008), Lord John Brown (President of the BP), Pink Floyd, Consul Generals, etc.
Personal Touch
Serif Yenen prides himself on his ability to add a personal touch to every tour he handles. It is extremely important to him that his clients return home with an experience to remember, not just an excuse to cross a destination off their wish list.
Serif is a Food Lover
As a food enthusiast and a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs Turkey, Serif is specialised in culinary tours in Istanbul and Turkey.
On his tour guide tours, Serif Yenen ↗ is aptly able to blend good local food, wine tastings, history, art history, archaeology, scenery, gourmet experiences and cooking classes.
How to Become a Tour Guide
Being a tourist guide can be an exciting and fulfilling career, allowing you to share your knowledge and passion for a particular location or area with visitors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a successful tourist guide:
1. Acquire Knowledge:
- Study and research extensively about the location you want to guide in. Learn about its history, culture, landmarks, attractions, and local customs.
- Keep yourself updated about any new developments, events, or changes in the area.
2. Develop Communication Skills:
- Being a tourist guide requires excellent communication skills. Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
- Work on your storytelling abilities to make the information engaging and memorable for your audience.
3. Obtain Necessary Education:
- While formal education is not always required, it can be beneficial. Consider taking courses in tourism, history, cultural studies, or related fields.
- Some regions or countries might have certification or licensing requirements for tourist guides. Research and comply with any such regulations.
4. Gain Language Proficiency:
- If you’re guiding in an area with diverse tourists, knowing multiple languages can be a big advantage.
- Brush up on your language skills to effectively communicate with a wide range of visitors.
5. Enhance Customer Service Skills:
- Tourists appreciate friendly and accommodating guides. Develop good customer service skills to make their experience enjoyable.
- Be patient, attentive, and responsive to their questions and needs.
6. Gain Local Experience:
- Spend time exploring the area extensively to familiarize yourself with hidden gems, local eateries, and lesser-known attractions.
- Understand the local customs, traditions, and etiquette to provide a well-rounded experience for your tourists.
7. Practice Safety and First Aid:
- Prioritize the safety of your tourists. Learn basic first aid skills and be prepared for any emergencies that might arise during your tours.
8. Develop Tour Itineraries:
- Create well-planned tour itineraries that cover a mix of popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
- Balance the schedule to provide a comprehensive experience without overwhelming the tourists.
9. Network:
- Connect with local tourism organizations, travel agencies, and hotels. Building relationships in the industry can help you get more clients and exposure.
- Attend tourism-related events, workshops, and seminars to stay updated and expand your network.
10. Market Yourself:
- Create a professional online presence through a website, social media profiles, and travel forums.
- Showcase your expertise, share photos from your tours, and gather testimonials from satisfied clients.
11. Start Guiding:
- Offer your services to tourists through travel agencies, online platforms, or independently.
- Start with small groups to gain experience and confidence before taking on larger groups.
12. Continuously Improve:
- Seek feedback from your clients to understand what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
- Stay curious and keep learning to maintain your knowledge and enthusiasm for your guiding area.
Remember that being a successful tourist guide requires dedication, passion, and a genuine interest in sharing your love for a place with others. Over time, your skills and reputation will grow, allowing you to create unforgettable experiences for your tourists.
