What does it mean to be a guide in the travel industry? This is Nikki Padilla Rivera's guiding question. She works to empower guides through training and advocacy and supports them to create consistently branded, high-quality experiences that generate word-of-mouth marketing.Christine and this self-described "Tour Guide Advocate" discuss what makes a magical, life-changing tour, the differences between tour directors and guides (and the unique skills required for each), and all of the ways extra effort to support your guests pays off. They also discuss female tour guides: why they matter and why they're impactful. Tour operators and guides: do not miss this episode full of supportive and helpful gems to incorporate into your own practices.Visit Trip Kinetic's website here: https://www.tripkinetics.com/Learn more about Lotus Sojourns and ways to be a part of the community here.Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns or @souloftravelpodcastCredits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor.) Nikki Padilla Rivera (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.Support the show