A recently released research report specifically focuses on the challenges that Australian professional tour guides experience and the expectations they hold.

This research report is part of a major thesis prepared for the Master of Philosophy degree entitled Giving Voice to Australian Professional Tour Guides: Perspectives of their Social Identity.

The research draws attention to Australian professional tour guides who play an instrumental role in the larger tourism industry. In 2016, Australia registered 4,700 tour guides; 47% of whom worked full-time (National Skills Commission, n.d.).

In 2021, little was known about the overall tour guide workforce per sé or the professional tour guides’ perspectives in particular. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Australian professional tour guides lack an industry voice and feel neglected within the larger tourism industry.

The purpose of this presentation is to present the rich perspectives of professional tour guides related to staff shortages, safety issues and other challenges caused by the unregulated tour guiding industry. It also focuses on the expectations they have of their employers and themselves.

Registered attendees will be provided with a Zoom meeting invitation and link to Birgitta's presentation on TUESDAY 31 MAY @ 4.00pm-4.30 pm AEST and access to her research report.