Tour Guide

Business Idea: Become A Tour Guide in 2024

Updated: October 2nd, 2024

Avg Monthly Revenue
$27K
Avg Startup Costs
$18K
Score
73
Market Size
Avg Revenue
Min Revenue
$10K/month
Max Revenue
$60K/month
Avg Days To Build
90 days

Unlock the potential of your local community by becoming a tour guide. As a tour guide, your primary role will be to introduce visitors to the hidden gems and well-known landmarks of your area, providing them with a rich, cultural experience.

You'll lead groups on walking tours, providing historical context, interesting anecdotes, and insider tips that aren't found in guidebooks. This isn't just about knowing your town; it's about sharing your passion and knowledge in a way that engages and captivates tourists.

Running a tour guide business requires more than just affability and knowledge. You'll need to research heavily, plan meticulously, and work on marketing to attract clients. Leveraging platforms like TripAdvisor or Airbnb Experiences can help you gain visibility and credibility.

For those who love storytelling and meeting new people, becoming a tour guide offers a rewarding opportunity to turn local expertise into a thriving business.

Revenue & Profitability

How much do tour guides make?

Startup Costs

How much does it cost to become a tour guide?

  • It can cost as low as $3,000 to become a tour guide.
  • It can cost as high as $100,000 to become a tour guide.

Learn more about the costs of a tour guide.

Examples Of Successful Tour Guides

Successful tour guide businesses and case studies

TourScanner, a meta-search engine for tours and activities, achieved monthly net revenue of $60k and plans to reach $1M ARR in 2022, utilizing a lightweight business model based on affiliate programs that earned a commission from referrals sent to major travel companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and Groupon.

$60K Monthly Revenue
$5K Startup Costs
Read by 4,997 founders

Araratour, led by Nune Tatunts, experienced impressive revenue growth, doubling its 2018 revenue to bring in $13,000 a month in 2019, offering combined tours around the Caucasus and Central Asia, and now has an office in three countries.

$11K Monthly Revenue
$7K Startup Costs
Read by 6,129 founders

See full list of successful tour guides.