Overview
The Kin Conecta messaging system enables direct communication between tourists and guides. Whether you’re asking questions before booking, coordinating meeting details, or following up after a tour, the chat system keeps all communication organized and accessible.Accessing Messages
For Tourists
Tourists can access messages in multiple ways:- Chat Widget - Available on every page as a floating chat icon
- From Bookings - Click Contactar guía button on any trip in Mis viajes
- Direct Messages - When a guide messages you, you’ll receive a notification
For Guides
Guides can access messages through:- Chat Widget - Floating chat icon accessible from any dashboard page
- Messages Section - Dedicated messages page in the guide dashboard
- Notifications - Bell icon shows new message alerts
Using the Chat Widget
Opening the Chat
Click the chat icon (speech bubble) to open the messaging panel. The widget displays:- Header - “Mensajes” title with subtitle “Responde desde cualquier página”
- Thread list - All your conversations on the left
- Active conversation - Selected chat messages on the right
- Message composer - Input field to type and send messages
Chat Widget Components
Thread List:- Shows all active conversations
- Displays contact avatar or initials
- Shows contact name
- Previews the most recent message
- Highlights unread conversations
- Full message history with the selected contact
- Timestamps for each message
- Your messages appear on the right
- Their messages appear on the left
- Scroll to view message history
- Text input field at the bottom
- Type your message
- Press Enter or click send icon to send
- Messages send instantly
Closing the Chat
Click the X (close) button in the top-right corner of the chat panel to close it. The icon remains accessible for reopening anytime.The chat widget is designed to be non-intrusive. Close it when not needed and open it instantly when a message comes in.
Starting a Conversation
Tourists Contacting Guides
From a Tour Listing
Click the tour you’re interested in and look for a contact or message button to reach the guide.
Guides Contacting Tourists
Guides can message tourists who have:- Booked a tour
- Inquired about a tour
- Saved the guide to favorites (with permission)
Message Best Practices
For Everyone
Be Clear and Concise:- Get to the point quickly
- Use short paragraphs
- Ask specific questions
- Provide necessary context
- Use polite, friendly language
- Avoid slang or confusing abbreviations
- Proofread before sending
- Stay on-topic
- Check messages regularly
- Respond within 24 hours
- If you need more time, acknowledge receipt
- Set expectations for response time
Messages are part of your professional reputation on Kin Conecta. Keep communications respectful and tour-related.
For Tourists
Before Booking:- Ask specific questions about the tour
- Inquire about availability
- Clarify inclusions or requirements
- Discuss special needs or accommodations
- Confirm meeting logistics
- Confirm receipt of booking
- Provide special requests
- Notify of any changes
- Ask preparatory questions
For Guides
Responding to Inquiries:- Answer all questions thoroughly
- Provide additional helpful information
- Suggest booking if they seem interested
- Be enthusiastic about your tours
- Confirm details 24-48 hours before
- Remind about meeting point
- Mention what to bring
- Provide your contact number
- Check weather and adjust if needed
- Thank them for joining
- Invite them to leave a review
- Offer to answer any follow-up questions
- Share any photos taken during tour
Conversation Management
Organizing Threads
The system automatically organizes conversations:- Most recent conversations appear at the top
- Active conversations (with recent messages) stay visible
- Older conversations remain accessible in your history
- Search functionality helps find specific conversations
Switching Between Conversations
On Desktop:- Thread list visible on left side
- Click any conversation to view messages
- Switch between conversations instantly
- View thread list first
- Tap a conversation to open it
- Use back arrow to return to thread list
- Current conversation name shows in header
Message Status Indicators
Understand your message status:- Sent - Message delivered to server
- Delivered - Received by recipient’s app
- Read - Recipient has viewed the message (if enabled)
Notifications
Receiving Message Notifications
You’ll be notified of new messages through:- In-app notification - Bell icon shows red dot
- Email notification - Sent to your registered email
- Browser notification - If you’ve enabled them
- Mobile notification - If using a mobile app
Managing Notification Settings
Customize how you receive notifications:- Navigate to profile settings
- Select Notificaciones
- Choose notification preferences:
- All messages
- Only booking-related messages
- Digest (summary emails)
- Save your preferences
Response Time Expectations
For Guides
Response time matters:- Quick responses increase booking conversion
- Aim to respond within 24 hours
- Faster is better for inquiries
- Set auto-response if temporarily unavailable
- Your profile ranking in search
- Tourist trust and confidence
- Overall booking rates
For Tourists
While tourists aren’t required to respond quickly:- Respond to guide confirmations promptly
- Answer questions about your booking
- Notify guides of changes as soon as possible
What to Discuss in Messages
Appropriate Topics
✅ Good to discuss:- Tour details and logistics
- Availability and scheduling
- Special requests or accommodations
- Meeting point clarifications
- What to bring or prepare
- Accessibility needs
- Dietary restrictions (for food tours)
- Group size or composition
- Weather contingencies
- Payment or booking questions
Inappropriate Topics
❌ Avoid:- Personal contact information (until booking confirmed)
- Off-platform payment requests
- Unrelated sales or promotions
- Personal relationship requests
- Harassment or inappropriate content
- Sharing confidential information
Keep all communication tour-related and professional. Kin Conecta reviews messages to ensure platform safety and may take action on policy violations.
Troubleshooting
Messages Not Sending
If your message won’t send:- Check your internet connection
- Refresh the page
- Try closing and reopening the chat widget
- Clear browser cache if problem persists
- Contact support if issue continues
Not Receiving Messages
If you’re missing messages:- Check spam/junk email folder
- Verify notification settings
- Ensure browser allows notifications
- Check that your email address is current
- Look in archived conversations
Contact Not Responding
If a guide doesn’t respond:- Wait 24-48 hours
- Send a follow-up message
- Check their profile for response rate
- Contact Kin Conecta support if urgent
- Send one polite follow-up
- Proceed with booking details as confirmed
- Don’t spam with multiple messages
Privacy and Safety
Message Privacy
- Messages are private between sender and recipient
- Kin Conecta staff may review for safety/policy compliance
- Messages retained according to data retention policy
- Delete old conversations if desired
Staying Safe
Protect your information:- Don’t share financial information
- Keep transactions on-platform
- Be cautious with personal details
- Report suspicious behavior
- Requests for off-platform payment
- Pressure to book immediately
- Inappropriate personal questions
- Requests to bypass Kin Conecta policies
If you receive suspicious messages or feel uncomfortable with a conversation, report it to Kin Conecta support immediately.
Reporting Issues
To report problematic messages:Tips for Great Communication
Build Rapport
- Be friendly and enthusiastic
- Show genuine interest
- Use the person’s name
- Add personal touches when appropriate
- Express appreciation
Set Expectations
- Clarify what to expect from the tour
- Be honest about limitations
- Confirm timing and logistics
- Discuss weather or seasonal factors
Follow Through
- Honor commitments made in messages
- Follow up after tours
- Respond to outstanding questions
- Close the loop on conversations
Next Steps
- Learn about leaving and responding to reviews
- Read tourist platform guide
- Explore guide best practices
- Understand booking process
The messaging system is your direct line to create excellent experiences. Use it to clarify, coordinate, and build positive relationships on Kin Conecta.