Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is being recognized as a significant factor in academic work and general life experiences. Due to the fact that tour guides act as intermediaries between tourists and an unfamiliar environment, they play a significant role in the success or failure of a tour experience. The aim of this paper is therefore to explore the relationships of demographic variables, including social demographics (e.g. gender, age, education, and marital status) and work variables (e.g. primary languages used and work experience) with tour guides’ EI. The sample consisted of 380 tour guides. The results indicated that there were differences between the individuals’ EI in relation to the variables of gender and length of service. Implications and recommendations of the results are given, and future research possibilities discussed.

Key words: Tour guide, Emotional Intelligence (EI), tourism, emotional skills.