Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
The 8th International Research Forum on Guided Tours, Bolzano, İtalya, 28 - 30 Mayıs 2024, ss.1-2
As in many professions, it is important to investigate what impact digital technologies will have on
tour guiding. Professionals should also be able to see how they can implement current trends into
long-term plans. This study aims to predict the future of the tour-guiding profession based on the
perceptions of tour guides by focusing on the changes and effects of digital technologies. Looking at
the future through the eyes of tour guides, the research attempts to paint a comprehensive picture
of what the profession could look like in terms of technology in 2040. In this context, the study
uncovered technological issues in tour guiding that require emphasis, and Turkish tourist guides
assessed the potential impact of these issues. This paper conducted a comprehensive Delphi-based
scenario study on the tour guiding profession for the year 2040, focusing on technological aspects
through a four-stage research approach. The Delphi method collected a total of eight projections
(tour guiding applications, augmented reality, virtual reality, tour guiding across the metaverse
universe, access to guides, space tour guiding, virtual areas of expertise, and robot guides) and 41
qualitative comments.
The findings highlight the need for guides like virtual reality and augmented reality to adapt to
digitalization and reshape their roles. Tour guides will guide in a different dimension by adopting
these different technologies, rather than robot guides or guiding being eliminated with these
technologies, according to this study's evaluation of the technological projections in the potential
scenarios. Similarly, guides view the introduction of new guiding techniques, facilitated by these
technologies, as an opportunity to diversify their income streams rather than a threat to their
livelihoods. For instance, the study underscored that guides would employ virtual reality apps,
potentially opening a new industry rather than posing a threat to the tour guiding profession.
Similarly, the new advice techniques may not pose a danger to the guides, but rather provide them
with a new source of income. The research’s conclusions show that while digital guiding
technologies cannot completely replace human touch and feeling, as shown in previous studies (De
La Harpe & Sevenhuysen, 2020: Nazlı, 2020), they can provide guides with new opportunities.
Contrary to previous findings, the study revealed a negative attitude among tour guides toward
robot guides. By providing a detailed roadmap for navigating the technological changes expected to
shape the future of tourism, the study equips these stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies
needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. The findings underscore the importance of
adaptability and innovation in the tour guiding profession, as well as the need for ongoing dialogue
and collaboration between industry players to ensure a successful and sustainable future for tour
guiding in the digital age.
Keywords: future, tour guiding, space guiding, metaverse, virtual reality.