Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides

Merve Kalyoncu Yolaçan

Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the risk management experiences of tour guides by using a phenomenological approach. Tour guiding involves providing historical and cultural information, managing complex human interactions, ensuring safety, and overcoming logistical challenges. The study adopts a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of 19 active tour guides in Eskişehir who are registered with the Ankara Chamber of Tour Guides. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis. Four main themes emerged: Challenges of the tour guiding profession, preparation before the tour, risks before the tour, and risks during the tour. The findings highlight that risk management strategies are critical to ensuring both guest satisfaction and guide well-being. Tour guides emphasize the importance of flexibility, crisis management skills, and proactive planning. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the real on-site experiences of tour guides and by offering actionable recommendations for improving risk management training. Safety standards and the guest experience can be significantly enhanced by improving tour guides' preparedness. Therefore, this study contributes to the current body of knowledge as it offers a framework for risk management of tour guides, tour guides’ relevant solutions and strategies. Finally, it provides recommendations for theorists, practitioners, and other researchers. It is essential to address the underlying cause of the problem in order to resolve the situation effectively. When a risk is identified, it is crucial to remain calm and seek the most efficient and optimal solution.

Keywords

Risk management, tour guiding profession, challenges of tour guide, risks during the tour

Supporting Institution

Anadolu University

Project Number

This research was supported under the project number 1805E174, which was accepted by the Anadolu University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit Coordinatorship.

Ethical Statement

The ethics committee permission required for the collection of the data used in this study was obtained from Anadolu University Ethics Committee with protocol number 56806.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Policy and Administration (Other), Tourism (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Merve Kalyoncu Yolaçan ^*
0000-0002-3761-4079
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 7, 2025

Submission Date

December 6, 2024

Acceptance Date

December 31, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 6 Number: 2

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC

APA

Kalyoncu Yolaçan, M. (2025). Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, 6(2), 119-134. https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC

AMA

1.Kalyoncu Yolaçan M. Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides. TOLEHO. 2025;6(2):119-134. https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC

Chicago

Kalyoncu Yolaçan, Merve. 2025. “Swimming in Dangerous Waters: A Phenomenological Study of the Risk Management of Tour Guides”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 6 (2): 119-34. https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC.

EndNote

Kalyoncu Yolaçan M (January 1, 2025) Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 6 2 119–134.

IEEE

[1]M. Kalyoncu Yolaçan, “Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides”, TOLEHO, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 119–134, Jan. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC

ISNAD

Kalyoncu Yolaçan, Merve. “Swimming in Dangerous Waters: A Phenomenological Study of the Risk Management of Tour Guides”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 6/2 (January 1, 2025): 119-134. https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC.

JAMA

1.Kalyoncu Yolaçan M. Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides. TOLEHO. 2025;6:119–134.

MLA

Kalyoncu Yolaçan, Merve. “Swimming in Dangerous Waters: A Phenomenological Study of the Risk Management of Tour Guides”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, vol. 6, no. 2, Jan. 2025, pp. 119-34, https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC.

Vancouver

1.Merve Kalyoncu Yolaçan. Swimming in dangerous waters: A phenomenological study of the risk management of tour guides. TOLEHO [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 1;6(2):119-34. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA35GT32FC

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