The role of tour guide–interpreters is crucial in ensuring effective communication, cultural mediation, and enhancing tourists’ experiences. This paper presents a comparative analysis of guide–interpreter systems in European and Asian countries, focusing on professional standards, training requirements, linguistic competence, and operational frameworks. The study highlights differences in certification processes, language proficiency expectations, and cultural adaptation strategies. It demonstrates that while European countries often emphasize standardized professional accreditation and regulatory compliance, many Asian countries focus on flexible, practice-oriented training and multicultural communication skills. The paper concludes that understanding these differences can improve global tourism practices and guide–interpreter training programs.

tour guide–interpreter, comparative study, professional standards, cultural mediation, linguistic competence, tourism education

Weiler, B., & Black, R. Tour Guiding Research: Insights, Issues and Implications. — Channel View Publications, United Kingdom, 2015. — A comprehensive book reviewing tour guiding theory, practice, quality and research trends in tour guiding across contexts. books.google.com

Ap, J., & Wong, K. F. (2001). Case study on tour guiding: professionalism, issues and problems. — Tourism Management. — This article examines professional standards and challenges in tour guiding in Hong Kong and provides comparative insights relevant for guide systems globally. ScienceDirect

Christie, M. F., & Mason, P. Transformative Tour Guiding: Training Tour Guides to be Critically Reflective Practitioners. — This study discusses guide training practices, the importance of critical reflection in guide education and proposes transformational models for improving guide competencies. academia.edu

Meged, J. W. Tour guiding research: insights, issues and implications. — Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, Vol. 18, Suppl 1, pp. S103S105, 2018. — A scholarly review highlighting key issues and research directions in tour guiding practice. forskning.ruc.dk

Timothy, D. J., & Boyd, S. W. Tour guides and interpretation. — (Research article on guide effectiveness, communication skills and intercultural interpretation strategies). ResearchGate

Akhmedjonova, N. T. The Process of Teaching Tour Guide Translators. — Spanish Journal of Innovation and Integrity, Vol. 40 (2025). — Article exploring training processes, pedagogical approaches and competence development for tour guide translators. sjii.es

Khasanova, D. S. Training Tour Guides and Translators Using Authentic Video Materials. — American Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education (2025). — Focuses on innovative methodology for guide and translator training using real video resources. grnjournal.us

Makhmudov, S. Kh., & Abdurakhimov, J. G. The Importance of the Training System of Guide Translators in Using the Tourist Authority of Samarkand Region. — American Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies (2024). — Discusses the training system of guide translators in a specific tourism region context.