Showkat Wani

If there is a word that Showkat Wani uses to describe his tours of India, it’s awesome. Want to know why? Then read on to learn more about the man behind this tour operator that focuses on delivering its customers the best experiences possible.

Why did you get into this profession?

I became an expert in my field because first of all I love my job. I interact daily with different kind of peoples of different origins which is a great experience for me.

What do you enjoy most about being a tour operator?

My extensive network of travel and accommodation resources all over India allows me to design tours according to my clients’ interests and budgets with full confidence. I enjoy introducing various aspects of Indian culture to my clients and nothing pleases me more than when they return from their tours with smiles on their faces.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is quite different. My typical day starts with breakfast then answering emails about bookings and working on fresh ideas to satisfy my customers.

Have you got a certain style of guiding, or do you just run with it on the day?

My style of operating is professional but pretty awesome. Also, I have a certain style for handling groups – I have done it so often I know what works with most foreign groups. They need full details of the tourist places, they ask questions about the period and what life was like but I also look at the group, especially if it is a big group, and work out what they like best. For example, some groups might be more interested to visit the villages, especially in winter.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is making new friends and seeing smiles on their faces.

What’s the most bizarre experience you’ve had on a guided tour?

One of the most bizarre experiences in my life was when I met an American guest who was in such a hurry for me to take him from one place to another. There was simply not enough time to take him to his destination and, at the end of the day, he was unsatisfied which made me feel bad.

Ever had any odd requests from clients?

Our clients usually demand that we give them good service and nice accommodation which isn’t really that odd.

Every job has its ups and downs. Are there any aspects of your job that you don’t like or aren’t that keen on?

Sometimes, being continuously busy with my clients makes me tired, but it’s my job to give my clients satisfaction, awesome service and accommodations, even if there are lots of ups and downs along the way. It’s easy to get your foot in the door but what you do from that point on is up to you. If you are interested in getting to know about India, then I’m happy to answer all your questions – that’s not a hard thing for me.

As an experienced guide yourself, can you explain to our readers what the benefits of hiring a guide are?

While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people.

In your view, what makes a good tour guide?

Being a tour operator involves selecting a variety of information for different audiences, presenting that information to them in a simple and precise way, allowing visitors to see and understand a destination. To satisfy a client is a skill that, when well performed, is invisible but nonetheless influences tourists by making them think. People can be well prepared for a tour by being friendly and polite, and showing enthusiasm.

And finally, have you got any tips for people who are interested in booking a guide like yourself, but aren’t too sure what to look for?

There are several tour operators doing similar scenic tours so identifying the point of difference should be clear. I organise tours and holiday packages to various destinations all over India. We create holiday packages and operate tours for both groups and individual travellers, always at the most competitive prices, and we encourage our clients to modify our tried and tested itineraries in order to create their own unique India experiences. My goal is to provide such excellent guidance and advice to our clients throughout their travels in India that they keep coming back to us year after year!