Implementing Cross-Cultural Communication in Tour Guiding Styles. A Study of Foreign Tourists in Indonesia

This study explores the role of cross-cultural communication in shaping the guiding styles of Indonesian tour guides when interacting with foreign tourists. Using a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with professional tour guides, the research identifies key patterns in communicative strategies, cultural sensitivity, and adaptive behavior. Findings reveal that tour guides act not only as informants but also as cultural mediators, educators, and group facilitators. Drawing upon Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and Kolb’s experiential learning theory, this study demonstrates how guides develop cultural intelligence and intercultural competence through both formal training and field-based experiential learning. Moreover, the use of interpretive guiding techniques such as culturally contextualized humor, reflective dialogue, and personalized storytelling enables guides to foster mutual understanding and enhance the quality of tourist experiences. The research highlights the importance of integrating intercultural education into guiding practices as a key competency in global tourism, particularly in culturally diverse destinations such as Indonesia.