Read Tanya's story here
Age: 45-54
Career Journey:
Tanya Firth moved to Folkestone in 2012 after teaching English in Russia and working as a freelance translator. Her initial experience in tourism was limited to working as an onboard translator for English groups on Volga cruises, where she met her future husband, who worked in the travel industry. After moving to England, Tanya passed her driving test and completed the course to become a Blue Badge Tourist Guide in the south-east. She then co-founded England Plus Tours, which has grown steadily over the years.
Career Highlights:
Tanya’s proudest achievements include becoming a British citizen, passing her driving test, earning a prestigious Blue Badge for guiding, and passing the exam to guide in English. Each of these milestones contributed to her growth in the tourism industry.
What Tanya Enjoys Most About Her Job:
Tanya enjoys the variety of her work, from marketing and managing client inquiries to leading tours. Her most rewarding moments come when clients are captivated by her stories, with many expressing that her tours were the highlight of their UK or world cruise. Seeing guests' happy faces at the end of a tour is always a highlight.
Key Skills and Expertise:
Tanya combines her love for driving and storytelling with her fluency in English and a strong command of other European languages. These skills make her the perfect fit for a career as a tourist guide, where she showcases the best of the south-east of England to her clients.