Buyer persona of the Generation Z tourist a challenge for Tour Guides
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/vtga11.5-1162Keywords:
Generation Z, tour guide, buyer persona, professional attitude, care rolAbstract
The main goal of this study is to analyze the needs of Generation Z (GZ) concerning the components of the professional role of tour guides (GT), aiming to construct an archetype that represents this generation's perceptions of guided tour services. A mixed-methods approach (QUAL and QUAN) was employed using a sequential DEXPLOS design, which included: 1)a focus group and the application of an empathy map, 2)a survey with a 10-point Likert scale analyzed through Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and 3)the development of the GZ buyer persona.
The QUAL findings revealed that GZ highly values the professional attitude, care role, personalized storytelling, and specific recommendations provided by GTs, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to itineraries and incorporating frequent breaks. QUAN results confirmed that the instrumental, social, interactional, communicative, care role and professional attitude are critical components for this generation, with key variables such as honesty, emotional management, and humor standing out. Finally, the development of the Generation Z buyer persona suggests personalizing services, utilizing technology, demonstrating empathy, and promoting sustainability to engage with this highly connected and demanding segment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ángel Hernández-Morales, Pablo Guerra-Rodríguez, Claudio E Hernández-Morales

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