Tourist guides play a crucial role in enhancing travel experiences by forming emotional connections with their clients, which artificial intelligence cannot replicate.
On International Tourist Guide Day, professionals in the field are advocating for recognition of their underappreciated yet vital role in enriching travel experiences. They emphasize that their ability to interpret and accompany travelers allows for deeper connections with the locales they explore. This narrative was exemplified by a Neapolitan tourist who, upon arriving in Buenos Aires, sought the expertise of Malvina Gómez, an administrator from the National Forum of Tourist Guides of Argentina, to craft a personalized tour inspired by Diego Armando Maradona.
During the tour led by Gómez, the tourist was taken to a lesser-known mural, rather than the more famous ones, which she believed would resonate with him on a personal level. This decision proved impactful, as the visitor, moved to tears, experienced a profound connection to the mural created by Alfredo Segatori in 2021. This experience highlights the unique ability of human guides to create emotional experiences that digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, cannot replicate.
As the discussion around the role of technology in tourism grows, these guides are emphasizing their irreplaceable human element. They argue that while AI can provide information, it lacks the capacity to forge genuine connections or understand the nuanced emotions and stories behind the places they visit, underscoring the need for continued support and recognition of the profession in an evolving tourist landscape.
