The Impact of Tour Guides’ Physical Attractiveness, Sense of Humor, and Seniority on Guide Attention and Efficiency

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether tourists view attractive tour guides as more competent, humorous tour guides as more approachable, and experienced tour guides as more professional, and whether these three factors influence the effectiveness of tour guide interpretation. The results indicated that physical attractiveness and humor had additive effects on interpretation effectiveness when combined. Although some tour guides were not physically attractive, experience provided an additive effect on interpretation effectiveness. Thus, we recommend discarding stereotypes regarding physical attractiveness and improving education and training in humor for tour guides. Experienced tour guides wearing appropriate attire also increases interpretation effectiveness.

The Relationship between Tour Guide Humor and Tourists’ Behavior Intention: A Cross-Level Analysis

“…A. Lee and Oh 2017; Pearce and Pabel 2015). Third, tour guides who interpret destinations in a humorous way could capture tourists’ attention (Kuo et al 2016; Tsai, Wang, and Tseng 2016). Then, tourists, who find it easier to perceive an attractive destination image, such as a unique historical culture, scenery in style, and unknown allusions, will be more like to engage in favorable behavior toward the destination (H.…”

“…With the help of humorous expressions and behaviors, guides in group tourism can help them have an enjoyable experience (Pabel and Pearce 2016, 2018; Tsaur and Teng 2017). This is because tour guide humor can attract individual attention and provide many unknown and interesting stimuli for tourists (Tsai, Wang, and Tseng 2016; Tsaur and Teng 2017). Therefore, tour guide humor has a stronger impact on positive emotion of tourists with low openness than those with high openness.…”

“…Scholarly inquiry on tour guide humor has mainly focused on its outcome variables. Examples include enhancing guiding of attention and guide efficiency (Tsai, Wang, and Tseng 2016), promoting interaction and relationships between tour guides and tourists (e.g., Rashid et al 2017), inspiring memorable tourist experiences (e.g., Pabel and Pearce 2016, 2018; Tsaur and Teng 2017), decreasing anxiety (e.g., Carden 2005; Pabel and Pearce 2015), and coping with difficult and awkward travel situations (e.g., Frew 2006; Pabel and Pearce 2015). Especially, tour guide humor may potentially trigger tourists’ behavioral intentions toward destinations (Pabel and Pearce 2015, 2016).…”

Tour Conductor Playfulness: Conceptualizing and Scale Development

“…Past studies have indicated that these traits include cheerfulness (J. Y. Wong and Wang 2009), a sense of humor (Heung 2008; Pabel and Pearce 2016; Tsai, Wang, and Tseng 2016), extroversion (Mancini 2001), and high emotional intelligence (Min 2012; Tsaur and Ku 2019). However, these studies tend toward one-dimensional thinking, exploring a single feature (ie, sense of humor) and overlooking the multidimensional roles involved in TC work.…”

Tourists' space–time behavior in heritage places: Comparing guided and nonguided visitors

“…However, more recently, articles exploring other aspects of guiding are gradually appearing. These deal with various topics: the stresses and emotions present in the relationship between the guide and the tour operator (e.g., McKerzie & Kerr, ); locals doing guided tours in the own city (e.g., Diaz‐Soria, ); the phenomenon of zero fare in guiding (e.g., Xu & McGehee, ); hassles in the personal life and work of tour guides (e.g., Tsaur & Lin, ); sense of humor in guiding (e.g., Pabel & Pearce, ); or the impact of attractiveness and seniority on tour guides (e.g., Tsai, Wang, & Tseng, ).…”