Improving the Psychological Well-Being of Tour Guides Through a Stress and Burnout Management Workshop

Abstract

Tour guides play a strategic role in the tourism industry, yet they are highly vulnerable to occupational stress and burnout due to demanding workloads, unpredictable working conditions, and high service expectations. Chronic psychological pressure, if left unaddressed, can deteriorate mental health, reduce work quality, and harm the overall tourism sector. This community service program aimed to improve the psychological well-being of tour guides in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia, through a two-day stress and burnout management workshop. The workshop employed a participatory and educative approach, combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises including deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, group discussions, case study simulations, and role-playing. Participants completed pre- and post-tests to assess knowledge gains, and qualitative feedback was gathered through structured reflection and personal action plans. Results demonstrated significant improvements in participants' understanding of stress and burnout, enhanced coping skills, increased motivation, and greater openness in sharing psychological challenges. Participants also developed personal action plans and formed a peer support network. This workshop model presents a replicable and scalable intervention for the tourism and public service sectors to systematically support workforce psychological well-being.