Tour guides' perspectives on their work and life: A case study of Jordanian tour guides

Areej Shabib Aloudat, Rosemary Black, Sally Everett

Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paperChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Despite advances in the study of tour guiding, there has been limited exploration of the work and life of tour guides, and even fewer studies seeking the views and perspectives of tour guides themselves. This study employed interpretive qualitative phenomenology. Twenty-nine Jordanian tour guides were interviewed to seek their perspectives on their work, motivations for becoming a guide, and the impact of their work on their private lives. The data analysis and interpretation revealed themes focusing on the mechanics of a working day, insurance expenses, unpredictable income, job anxiety, perceptions of guides themselves and by others, and the impact of tour guiding on their private lives. The outcomes of this study provide new understandings of the work-life experiences of tour guides from their perspective, and implications for the tourism industry. The study may be used as a steppingstone for further empirical investigation that could be replicated in different countries and cultural contexts.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCases on tour guide practices for alternative tourism
EditorsGulsun Yildrim, Ozlem Ozbek, Ceyhun Caglar Kilinc, Abdullah Tarinc
Place of PublicationHershey PA, USA
PublisherIGI Global
Chapter2
Pages18-38
Number of pages21
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781799837275
ISBN (Print)9781799837251, 9781799837268
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Publication series

NameAdvances in Hospitality, Tourism, and the Services Industry (AHTSI)

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