The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourist guides intention to stay and leave in the sector

The tourism sector, by its nature, shows sensitivity and responsiveness to crises. It can be said that events such as war, economic crises, natural disasters, and pandemics lead to unforeseen crises in the tourism sector. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has not only threatened human health but also caused deep wounds and stagnation in the tourism sector due to the measures taken during the pandemic. The purpose of this study is to reveal the extent to which tourism guides, as a component of the tourism sector, have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and to assess its impact on their intentions to continue their profession or leave it. Qualitative research techniques were utilized in line with the purpose of the study, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews with active professional tourist guides operating in Turkey. As a result of the study, it has been concluded that despite the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism guides do not consider quitting their profession, their satisfaction levels with the tourism guiding profession are high, and nevertheless, they tend to acquire a second profession in order to sustain their lives during unforeseen crisis situations such as a pandemic.