Understanding the evolution of the guided tours: the case of Türkiye

AYSİN ÖRNEK N., KARAMUSTAFA K.

Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/14766825.2025.2453227
  • Journal Name: Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, ABI/INFORM, CAB Abstracts, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index, Sociological abstracts
  • Keywords: COVID-19, Guided tours, package tour, technological advancements, tour itinerary, tourists’ expectations
  • Kayseri University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This research aims to explore the development and evolution of guided tours over recent decades. Focusing on the perspectives of professional tour guides regarding changes in their professional features over the past 30 years, the study adopts an interpretive approach. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the 15 Turkish professional tour guides who have been actively practicing tour guiding for at least 20 years. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software, identifying the four main categories of change in guided tours: tour guiding-related, tourist-related, tour-related, and COVID-19-related. Key findings highlight shifts in access channels, preparation processes, demand for guidance, group size and composition, tourists’ expectations, providing information, pointing objects, guiding equipment, tour programs and durations, shopping, guided destinations, meal preferences, and income. Furthermore, the study delves into the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped many aspects of the guided tour experience.