Making Magic: Lessons from a Master Tour Guide

During ten magical days in Morocco, I was captivated by our guide Chris Morrison’s masterful way of connecting with the diverse group of nearly three dozen travelers. While his extensive knowledge from 30+ years of guiding was impressive, it was his extraordinary talent for personal connection that set him apart. Chris, who divides his time between Barcelona, London, and various corners of the world, elevated our tour into something truly exceptional.

One technique he employed brilliantly was so simple, yet so effective: whenever we chose between activity options, he responded with a warm, genuine “Good choice!” He delivered these words as if each selection revealed our exceptional taste and wisdom. The magic lay not just in the words themselves, but in how he made each of us feel – like we’d made an inspired decision that he truly appreciated.

Chris’ artistry in making people feel special included things like taking time to learn about each person’s and family’s unique interests, then quietly arranging special experiences, delivering thoughtful gifts, or sharing specific information that spoke to those passions. These weren’t grand theatrical gestures, but rather intimate moments of recognition that made each traveler feel truly seen and cared for.

What truly set Chris apart was his extraordinary attention to the countless behind-the-scenes details that could make or break a journey. For example, he masterfully juggled an intricate web of dietary requirements and preferences – from lactose and gluten intolerance to onion sensitivity to eggplant allergies – ensuring that every meal for all 34 travelers was both safe and satisfying. He handled these complexities with such graceful efficiency that we guests never had to worry about a thing. As he explained it, his goal was to make all the complicated machinations invisible, allowing us to simply enjoy the magic of Morocco. And, truthfully, Chris was there and fully present and with us at every turn… seemingly in mind, body, and spirit. I have no idea how he was able to get everything done with a smile on his face and without breaking a sweat! Magical, indeed.

Perhaps Chris’s extraordinary ability to connect with people stems from his lifelong dedication to humanitarian work. As founder of Care Highway International, a children’s charity celebrating its 28th year, he lives by the motto “compassion with common sense.” The organization supports children’s education and health programs primarily in Kenya and Morocco, where they operate a children’s home, women’s center, farm, and water station, while also providing earthquake relief and education sponsorship. His dedication to humanitarian causes earned him an honorary British Citizen Award (BCAo) dedicated at the House of Lords in 2017 for services to humanity – an honor he humbly shares with everyone who works with his organization.

His approach reminds us that making others feel special doesn’t require extravagant gestures – it’s about genuine attention, thoughtful actions, and the ability to recognize what matters to each individual. In a world where people often feel like just another face in the crowd, Chris Morrison’s special je ne sais quoi transformed a group tour into a deeply personal journey.

Happy Networking!

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