Here’s a question that always creates a little debate in tourism: Is tipping a thank-you, an expectation or a way of making up for low wages?
Driver-guides, hotel staff and the many people working behind the scenes deserve fair wages from their employers. A tip should be an extra way of saying “thank you for going above and beyond” not something workers have to rely on to survive.
Then comes the controversial one, should a tour planner be tipped?
Your planner may spend hours designing your itinerary, comparing options, answering endless questions, making changes and coordinating your trip from start to finish.
I don’t believe tipping should ever be demanded. But when someone genuinely goes above and beyond, appreciation can take many forms including a tip.
Fair wages first. Tipping as appreciation, not obligation.
So, travellers and tourism professionals, what’s your take?
