Tourists’ Attitude towards Ethics of Volunteer Guides Conducting Tours around Kudichin and Wat Kalaya Community

Abstract

This research aimed to study the attitude of tourists towards the ethics of volunteer guides conducting tours around Kudichin and Wat Kalaya Community, and find guidelines for developing volunteer tour guide project to serve the tourists and provide benefits to education. Research tools were questionnaires distributed to 383 tourists, and questionnaires for 36 Business English students, Dhonburi Rajabhat University, participating in the volunteer guide project. The statistics used were percentage, mean and standard deviation. The research results showed that tourists had positive attitude at high levels towards ethics of the volunteer tour guides on all issues as follows: dress appropriately; be punctual on duty; demonstrate enthusiasm for assistance and quality services for tourists; be concerned for the safety of tourists; treat all people, cultures and environment with respect; be patient to satisfy the needs of tourists; be reliable, honest, conscientious and tactful; possess good communication skills with gesture and speech clarity; prepare in advance and be knowledgeable; and have adequate English language proficiency for the job. According to students’ opinions on the Volunteer Guide Project, the students were greatly satisfied with the project for its benefits and wanted it to be continued. Guidelines for project development were to provide more intensive training for students with well rounded knowledge, the practice of English communication skills and tour guide ethics, before exercising their duties. This will enhance the efficiency of tour guides, tourists’ satisfaction and the reputation of Thai tourism.