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How to conduct KTC Trails & Experiences

As a KTC Trip Coordinator, you engage as a leader, educator, guide, and friend to the participants. You are the medium/link between ‘Konkan’ and the participants’ travel experiences. You do not just show locations- You tell a story. You create an experience. You engage the travelers.

Skills Needed: Storytelling, Communication Skills, Empathy & Understanding, Charisma & Friendliness, Problem-solving, Flexibility, Leadership

Dress: Dress appropriately based on the type of trail. Trek clothes & shoes whenever necessary. Look like a pro-adventurer! Carry water-bottle, cap, and other essentials.

Definitions & acronyms

•             Traveller: Any person who has made purchase for the trail / experience

•             Trip Leader: KTC Member responsible for management of that trip

•             Trip Coordinator: KTC Member responsible for management of that trail

💡 Operations Guidelines: 

  • Do not over-extend yourself. Only cover the places in the itinerary
  • While guiding, communicate with the entire group. Speak loud and proud.
  • Trip Coordinator timings (Max to Max): 9 AM- 6 PM, in case of Camps: 6 PM to 9 AM
  • Take appropriate breaks between morning and evening sessions on the trip.
  • Carry safety gear wherever needed: Life jackets, First Aid, Rope, Torch, Lighter, Water Bottle.
  • Warn travelers about booze in public places or any other illegal activity whenever necessary.
  • Respect village culture and ask the travelers to do the same.
  • Do not reveal specific details like the local names of the places that can be identifiable on the maps. Use KTC-given names for the places.

Step-by-step Process

  1. Plan: Once the Trip Leader assigns you an experience, begin proper management of manpower and/or the equipment that you will require. Gather knowledge about the trail through research and observation from time to time.
  2. Welcome & Greet the Travelers: This little gesture will go a long way toward boosting the traveler experience. Introduce yourself and get to know the people in the group.
  3. Briefing/ Standing Instructions: Provide necessary guidelines regarding the experience, things to carry, time & level of difficulty.
  4. Spark curiosity by asking observational questions. Employ the power of destination storytelling.
  5. Engage: Travelers will only fully engage in an activity if you can fully engage in it with them. Don’t be a bystander in your trip!
  6. If you are visiting a hidden location, inform visitors about the risks of posting their location on the internet and advise them not to do so. Do not use location names identifiable on maps while interacting.
  1. Try to take photos/videos of the trail while respecting the personal space of the travelers. You may capture candid traveler reactions or ask them for a pose or a review based on their comfort. 
  2. If any equipment or material was used, make sure to return it to its original place without fail.

Example

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ckcrz70Ml0H/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=810&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fkonkantravelclub.com&rp=%2Fdocs%2Fhow-to-conduct-ktc-trails-experiences%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2493.0999999940395%2C%22ls%22%3A586.5%2C%22le%22%3A2353.699999988079%7D

Mrunalini Desai leads a heritage trail surrounding Bhagvati Mandir, Dhamapur. In the video, she poses questions strategically in order to stimulate people’s interest. This engages travelers in the experience and makes them feel more involved. Everyone in the video is a local, but they are all immediately more attentive to what she has to say. Imagine how much an outsider would value such a trail!

She also demonstrates excellent storytelling skills and trail knowledge (Proper Research). She highlights an important cultural issue involving temple architecture by offering examples and comparing past and present scenarios. This simply adds to the trail’s value.

Storytelling is powerful. And you can use it in many ways.

You can spark curiosity by piquing travelers’ interest by telling them what surprises we have ahead in the trip. (Have you heard about- ‘He tar kahich nahi’ story?)

Broadly, you can tell them what other amazing experiences we have. You can also share experiences from different seasons. This will convert a one-time customer into a long-time client.

Role Models to Look up to:

Johann Daniels: Mumbai

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bombay.adventurer/

With 13 years of experience in the outdoor & adventure space, I believe my forte’s are creating, building & hosting outdoor & adventure experiences that cater to every individual’s state of mind & emotional quotient with top-notch safety.

I am additionally an Airbnb Experience Host, a certified Wilderness First Responder, Mountaineer, Seizure First aider, and an outdoor survivalist with a degree in Zoology.

I believe it is essential to create a conversation around Responsible Outdoor Tourism in India.

You will find my work featured in the Lonely Planet Magazine India, NatGeo, Vogue, The Telegraph, MidDay and a few more.

Clyde Tellis: Goa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clyde_theguide/

I am on a mission to dig out local information that is exciting and interesting. Every place has a past that has led to its heritage and culture. My ardent interest in stories and experiences is what got me to start this blog and help people with my knowledge. Feel free to get in touch with me to help you plan an awesome vacation.

Mukta Narvekar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mukta_narvekar/

My Channel is all about ‘Mindful Travel’ (डोळस भटकंती)

Related resources

•             KTC Operations Handbook

•             Golden Rules of Tour Guiding