James Donnelly
London
Summary
Enthusiastic tour guide with passion for cultivating unforgettable travel experiences with a talent for weaving stories and history of sites and venues into an entertaining and humorous monologue.. Excellent historical knowledge of England with excellent organizational and public speaking skills. Full Cat D Licence
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Tour Guide / Driver
Golden Tours
10.2022 - Current
- Guided groups of up to 53 people on scheduled tours.
- Shared historical and cultural information, in a humorous manner in order to keep tour informative but most importantly fun.
- Worked collaboratively with team members to improve overall tour quality and visitor satisfaction.
- Ensured timely departures and arrivals by strictly adhering to schedules while remaining flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or special requests from guests.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Proactively encouraged customer feedback via social media to increase company profile.
- Increased customer satisfaction through attentive listening and personalized tour adjustments based on group interests.
- Received numerous positive reviews from clients, reflecting strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of tour subjects.
- Provided information on various sites throughout area, relaying little-known stories to provide interest.
- Entertained tour guests with various props and signs for maximum engagement, fun, and lasting memories.
- Consistently received high ratings on customer feedback surveys, reflecting dedication to providing enjoyable and informative experiences.
- Provided suggestions and recommendations for activities, restaurants and accommodations to keep customers entertained after tour hours.
- Collaborated with other tour guides to provide comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
- Developed engaging and informative scripts, guiding tour members through attractions.
- Assisted tour members with luggage, bags and maps while handling other helpful tasks.
- Communicated professionally with customers, answering questions and addressing concerns to boost satisfaction.
Driver Guide
Seawards
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Followed all relevant traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- Delivered goods and products to customer on time and in excellent condition.
- Cleaned and maintained vehicle and assessed vehicle for damage after each shift.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns and resolving issues promptly.
- Developed customized tour itineraries for diverse groups, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable trip.
- Managed unexpected challenges with flexibility and creative problem-solving, maintaining seamless experiences for guests.
- Facilitated group bonding activities among participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie during multi-day excursions.
- Led various themed tours catering to different interests and preferences, showcasing adaptability and versatility as a guide.
- Developed an extensive knowledge of local history and culture, enabling the provision of accurate information and insightful commentary during tours.
- Managed tour groups by keeping on schedule and quickly handling issues to promote positive experiences.
- Guided groups of up to 61 people on bespoke tours.
Publican
Donnelly Associates
02.2010 - 12.2012
- Turned an underperforming dilapidated public house into a young and trendy music venue and resturant with an extremely minimal budget.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Scouted Music and comedy acts to play in venue
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Entertainment Manager
Plough & Harrow
01.2008 - 04.2012
- Streamlined event planning processes for improved efficiency and reduced costs.
- Boosted attendee satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail in event organization and execution.
- Developed creative marketing strategies to increase ticket sales and overall event attendance.
- Expanded company''s market reach by identifying new opportunities for growth within the entertainment industry.
- Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating interactive elements and multimedia during live events.
- Designed visually appealing stage setups, enhancing the overall atmosphere of events.
- Collaborated with talent agents to secure top performers for entertainment events.
- Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas.
- Trained and supervised staff to consistently meet performance goals and customer service standards.
- Organized and oversaw special events such as birthday parties, tournaments and team-building activities.
- Created and maintained detailed reports of daily, weekly and monthly operations.
- Restored customer loyalty by resolving complaints with workers, activities or services rendered.
Education
Higher National Diploma - English Literature
Hackney Polytechnic
Hackney06.1990
A Level European History
Licensed Victuallers
Slough1986
Skills
- Exceptional communication
- Humor and Wit
- Guest Relations
- Customer Engagement
- Tourism Management
- Arts and culture
- Transportation Coordination
- Effective storytelling
- Full Cat D License
- Event Planning
- Travel recommendations
- Local History Expertise
- Conflict Mediation
- Clean Driving Record
- Time Management
- Group Tours
- Visitor relations
- Sightseeing Tours
Timeline
Tour Guide / Driver
Golden Tours
10.2022 - Current
Driver Guide
Seawards
09.2021 - 09.2022
Publican
Donnelly Associates
02.2010 - 12.2012
Entertainment Manager
Plough & Harrow
01.2008 - 04.2012
Higher National Diploma - English Literature
Hackney Polytechnic
A Level European History
Licensed Victuallers
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