Most importantly, tour guides must be experts in their area of concentration. They must be able to answer specific questions about locations, their history, amenities, and artifacts. Effective communication skills are absolutely essential for a successful career in the industry. In addition, tour guides must be highly organized, punctual, and ethical. They need to have exceptional time-management skills and be able to throughly research pertinent information. The ability to speak multiple languages, while not essential, is an asset for many tour guides.