My Father and I are in the process of writing a guide’s booklet for our 12 day, comprehensive tour of Newfoundland & Labrador. Though we’ve yet to make it back from Labrador in our musings, I did write this introduction last weekend and thought this letter said so much about our company and the experience our guests can expect that it was worth sharing here.
Welcome to McCarthy’s Party and congratulations on your decision to embrace the role as host of this very worthwhile adventure. As you are probably well aware, our company has been involved in the tourism industry for over 30 years and we take great pride and joy in the opportunity to meet new friends and introduce them to this wonderful place we call home. You are obviously a very special character in your own right and have thus been chosen to carry on our family tradition as a provincial ambassador and interpreter. We hope that you enjoy yourself as much as we relish our time on the road since your guests will recognize and appreciate your passion, interest and knowledge of this beautiful province and its many wonders.
Touring the province of Newfoundland & Labrador is a wonderful experience and together with your guests you will spend the days ahead exploring one of the world’s most spectacular coastal communities with its abundance of wildlife and botanical displays, a most unique and evidential geological exhibit, and a diverse history that is best described as both modern and at the same time, so terribly ancient. Of course, most all of our guests marvel over our distinct culture and the genuine good nature of our people – something which of course places you, as a native Newfoundlander, at an extreme advantage. Your knowledge of the island and its many attributes will be greatly appreciated however it’s your personal stories, experiences and anecdotes that guests will most enjoy. Thus, while this booklet is designed to bolster your knowledge and understanding of the province, it’s you that the guests are most interested in so remember to just be yourself and enjoy the week.
Please note that this booklet has been written as a ‘Guide for Guides’ – it is not a manual. These writings should hopefully provide you with an understanding of how we conduct a tour whereas your role will likely evolve into a unique brand that incorporates some of this information and much more of your own. As our mother and founder of the company often reminded us, “This is the easiest job in the world – all we’re doing is showing people a good time!” Of course it also helps to consider our father’s sage advice; “If you’re in the hospitality industry your most important attribute is to be hospitable!”
Best of luck out there and I only hope that you enjoy your time as much as your guests will.
Sincerely,
The McCarthy Family
