Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses that only published tours are returned, that announced-but-not-on-sale tours come separately in holdingTours, and warns never to present holding tours as bookable. This gives critical behavioral context beyond a simple list operation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Every sentence earns its place: primary purpose, the key distinction of holdingTours, and the golf-trip caveat. It is front-loaded and contains no filler, making it efficient despite its length.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has no parameters and no output schema, the description is thoroughly complete. It explains what data is returned, the bookability caveat, and the sibling alternative. An agent can correctly invoke this tool and interpret its response.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There are zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description adds value by clarifying the output structure (tours vs holdingTours) and their semantics, which exceeds the baseline and helps the agent understand the response even without an output schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states it lists published tours with destination, sport, and dates, and explicitly distinguishes from specific tour queries ('before asking about a specific tour') and from golf trips via list_golf_trips. The verb and resource are specific, and the sibling distinction is clear.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It provides explicit when-to-use ('find out what is on sale before asking about a specific tour') and when-not-to-use with an alternative ('for the golf trips use list_golf_trips'). This fully routes the agent to the correct tool.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.