globusjournal

Tour guides are professionals in the hospitality and travel sectors who provide cultural, historical, and practical information to tourists, enhancing their trip experience and acting as cultural ambassadors. In the Philippines, tour guides are essential for educating visitors about the country’s sights, past, and present, ensuring safety on trips, and providing in-depth expertise. Part-time tour guides can supplement their income while pursuing other careers, catering to visitors’ tastes and timetables. The growing popularity of tour guides has led to a variety of perceptions about their actual jobs, aiming to determine whether tour guiding goes beyond a simple career or part-time work or manifests support for tourism. A study examining the socio-demographic profile of respondents in Malolos, Bulacan, aimed to identify the frequency of tour guiding, the type of tour guide, and the perception of their profession as a profession, advocacy, or job. A survey of 24 participants found that the majority of tour guides were female (58.3%), aged 21-30, with a median income between 21,000 and 30,000. Most were freelancers, working less than once a week and twice a day.

The majority viewed their profession as advocating for ethical tourism practices, respecting local communities’ rights, and supporting destination initiatives. The study found no significant relationship between gender, years in service, monthly income, type of tour guide, or frequency of work, but a significant relationship between age and perception. Tour guides have a positive perception of their profession, with the highest perception being in the profession, followed by advocacy, and the least being in their job.

Keywords: Tour Guide, Cultural, Tourists, Local Communities’ Rights, Ethical Tourism.