Perceptions of Tourists and Tour Guides in Singapore

Abstract

Significant differences exist between tourists and professional tour guides in their perceptions of place. A survey conducted in Singapore of English-speaking foreign tourists and their local tour guides found this to be the case. Tour guides highlighted the major hotels and attractions, while downplaying less prominent sites and events. Tourists also seek the major attractions, but at the same time want a broader and more complex experience. These differences can be attributed to the roles of tourists as guests and tour guides as culture brokers, and in the behavioral space associated with these roles. Survey results demonstrate the importance of understanding these roles in international and cross-cultural tourism.