Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 10 (2008); 67-84
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Resumo: The quotation above summarizes the essence of tourism as a cultural, intercultural and global phenomenon. Starting from this point, it is suggested that intercultural tourism should be examined as an interdiscipline, formed by the intersection of several other disciplines, within the areas of Sociology and Humanities. In an intercultural approach, however, other disciplines may be suggested.The tour guide, empowered to deliver information, embodies the role of cultural mediator. That power allows her/him to influence the tourist as well as the host community. If the tour guide uses her/his power the correct way, she/he will be partly responsible for the return of the tourist. Guides have a critical role in destination promotion through client satisfaction. Clients will also become great destination promoters, through the word-of-mouth phenomenon.On the other hand, tour guides help tourists establish contact with the local culture, using a sort of discourse, which is required to have global scale references. Tour guides will be able to convey their message only if they have developed thenecessary intercultural skills.What is intercultural tourism? What is the role of tour guides in setting intercultural relations? Which are the intercultural skills these professionals have to mature in order to effectively communicate with their clients?We will conclude that tour guides establish a safe and reliable bridge between tourism actors, if they develop the necessaryintercultural competences.
