Remote Audio Systems for Tourist Guides

In the current situation with the need for Physical Distancing, they have become even more important and their use is strongly recommended in Covid-19 Protocols worldwide. They can be used in different situations as well e.g., car driver guiding, pleasure boat guiding and coach guiding.  Some guides have concerns about how to use them and the potential costs of providing their own.

There are two main types of Remote Audio Systems available:

Wireless Group Audio Systems 

Most guides are used to the Wireless Group Audio Systems provided by tour operators, Shorex companies and tour companies.  There are many types available and some guides may consider buying or hiring their own. They are expensive to buy but it is possible to hire them for short or long periods depending on need.

Here are links to some of the available systems:

• Whisper System products
• Bluehertz Audioguides
• Vox Group Tour Guide Systems

Smart Phone APPS

More recently a number of apps for Smart Phones have been developed using different operational platforms.  The fees vary depending on the system and coverage. 

• Bluetooth: have a shorter range at present
• Internet: variable network coverage and mobile hotspot is necessary for overseas guests. They also affect data consumption
• WiFi: require the guide to carry a mobile router which can be purchased or hired

WFTGA and FEG ran free training courses for qualified tourist guides which can still be accessed online.

Some examples are:

• Vox Group Products
• Guiding Group Tour Guide System
• BMS Audio Tour Guide Systems & Mobile Speaker Systems

When deciding whether to invest in a system and which one to choose you need to consider the following:

• Ease of handling, connection and re-connection for guide and guests
• No failure in enclosed areas e.g., narrow streets, inside buildings
• Short delay (latency)
• Is the App suitable for all types of phone?
• Is the App suitable for all guests – do they need to download in advance; do they require technical skills?
• What is the App size?
• Is an External Microphone possible for guide
• Are there External Headphones possible for guests
• Does the APP focus on audio functions? Some APPS are large because they include pictures and videos, really for self-guided walks not for walks led by a tourist guide

A comparison of some of the various solutions available at present, can be found here.

What are the Pros and Cons of using Remote Audio Systems?

One of the main things that guides need to think about in the world we are now in is that they will be expected to use the systems by many tour operators and visitors.  They are becoming the norm and that is only likely to increase.  Therefore, tourist guides need to be aware of all the pros and cons so that they are in a position to use them to their own advantage and for the benefit of their own guiding business and for their clients and guests.

Advantages of Remote Audio Systems

• For Guests
  • They allow for physical distancing when guests may feel uncomfortable in being too close together or to the guide
  • The guide can be heard in all situations:
    • when there is background noise like traffic
    • in situations where it is inappropriate for the guide to project the voice like in churches or sacred sites
    • when the guest is hard of hearing or near the back of the group
  • Guests can concentrate on looking at the attraction and immerse themselves in the situation
  • Guests don’t miss the highlights or main points

• For Tour Operators
  • Customer satisfaction with the tour and the guide
  • Improves safety as the guide can ensure that everyone is warned and knows of any dangers at all times

• For Tourist Guides
  • Easier to maintain physical distance
  • Less strain on the voice
  • Opportunity to keep talking to ensure guests stay with you and know where you are
  • Opportunity to continue to warn of safety issues while walking
  • Opportunity to use in cars and coaches as well as on foot e.g., for guides working with chauffeurs or driver guiding and for guides working on a traditional coach tour where a mic is not available or there are concerns about mic hygiene

• For the Environment and Sustainability
  • Reduces noise pollution – especially important in sensitive and religious sites
  • Less disturbing to other visitors and the general public
  • Systems are reusable
  • Makes group control easier avoiding blocking of routes and other businesses
  • Allows guides to continuously reiterate advice on protection of sites and the environment – advice can be given from a distance if necessary without causing any embarrassment

Challenges of Remote Audio Systems

• Technical issues – e.g., battery failure, range, technical ability of guests
• Tour operators may encourage larger groups than safe or viable
• People may be tempted to wander off and go to unsuitable or unsafe areas

Best Practice Solutions for Tourist Guides

• Guides should not accept more than 15 pax in a walking group: insurance may be invalidated with larger groups – audio sets make no difference to that
• Ensure that you understand exactly how the system works
• Carry spare batteries and ear pieces
• Pre guest arrival: Check everything is working and you know how to use it
• With guests: Do they know how to work the receivers; are they loud enough?
• Good Guiding Skills must be maintained – it is more not less important to adhere to them

Good Guiding Skills with Remote Audio Systems

• You can walk and talk BUT only give general, practical and safety information
• Repeat questions for everyone to hear & KISS
• Safety still paramount
  • Use system to reiterate on the go – as you reach hazards; prepare to cross a road
  • Remind them where you are and where you are going to stop
  • Wait for them
• Group Control still crucial
  • Stop and gather (allowing for physical distancing) and control
  • Stop and explain what they can see and should be looking at.
  • Indicate clearly – make sure they are all looking in the right direction
    • What are they looking at?
    • What is the Top Visual Priority?
  • Do not talk about things while you are passing them – not everyone will be there at the right time – some may be round the corner. Your commentary might distract guests from looking after their safety.

Used properly, Remote Audio Systems are useful tools and give us opportunities to develop our tours and to reassure our returning guests.