STRENGTHENING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF HOTEL RECEPTIONISTS THROUGH A COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM APPROACH IN LANTA NICE BEACH RESORT, THAILAND

Authors

  • Meerah Siwa Program Studi Pariwisata, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang
  • Abdul Rohim
  • Tiktik Dewi Sartika Program Studi Pariwisata, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang
  • Tami Alruby Program Studi Pariwisata, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31000/cswb.v5i2.14009

Keywords:

Intercultural Communication, Hotel Receptionists, Community-Based Tourism, Cultural Mediation, Hospitality Management

Abstract

Intercultural communication competence is essential for hotel receptionists working in multicultural tourism destinations. This study examines how community-based tourism (CBT) principles can strengthen intercultural communication skills among receptionists at Lanta Nice Beach Resort, Thailand. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observational notes, and document analysis related to guest interactions and cultural events. The findings show that CBT-oriented engagement enhances receptionists’ cultural awareness, communication adaptability, and problem-solving abilities when serving international guests. Participation in cultural activities, such as Christmas and New Year events, also facilitates reciprocal cultural learning between staff and visitors. Improved intercultural competence contributes to higher service quality and a more culturally inclusive guest experience. This study highlights the potential of CBT as a capacity-building strategy for frontline hospitality workers and offers insights for resorts seeking to strengthen guest satisfaction and promote sustainable tourism practices.

References

Baum, T. (2019). Hospitality employment 2030: A scenario study. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 82, 308–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2018.10.026

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.

Chang, W. (2021). Cultural challenges in frontline hospitality service encounters. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 47, 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.04.004

Deardorff, D. K. (2020). Manual for developing intercultural competence. Routledge.

Gao, L., & Mattila, A. S. (2016). The impact of service encounters on customer emotion. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 55, 118–128.

Giampiccoli, A., & Saayman, M. (2018). Community-based tourism development model. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 7(4), 1–27.

Hansen, H., Jensen, O., & Gustafsson, A. (2021). Service encounters in multicultural hospitality settings. The Service Industries Journal, 41(13–14), 1011–1028. https://doi.org/10.1080/02642069.2020.1787995

Kim, H., & McKercher, B. (2022). Cultural distance and tourist behaviour. Annals of Tourism Research, 92, 103–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2021.103126

Nguyen, T., & Cheung, C. (2022). Intercultural training in tourism and hospitality: A review and future research agenda. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 22(1), 65–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2021.1995209

Ruiz-Ballesteros, E. (2022). Revisiting community-based tourism: A critical sustainability perspective. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(9), 2101–2119. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1932932

Spencer-Oatey, H., & Franklin, P. (2019). Intercultural interaction: A multidisciplinary approach to intercultural communication. Springer.

UNWTO. (2023). World Tourism Barometer. United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Wong, I. A., & Wang, C. (2020). Emotional labor of hospitality employees: Antecedents and outcomes. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 87, 102460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102460

Wood, M., & Wilton, H. (2021). Experiential learning for intercultural competence in tourism education. Tourism Management Perspectives, 40, 100892.

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Downloads

Published

2026-01-14