Tourism significantly affects local communities economically, socially, and environmentally. Tourist guides, acting as intermediaries between visitors and locals, observe these impacts firsthand and play a critical role in shaping tourism’s outcomes. This article explores tourism’s positive and negative effects on local populations from the perspective of tourist guides. It highlights guides’ contributions to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, while addressing challenges such as cultural commodification and environmental degradation. The paper underscores the importance of guide training and community collaboration to maximize tourism benefits and mitigate adverse effects.

Tourism impact, local communities, tourist guides, sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, community empowerment, environmental impact

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