Communication barriers prevent the message from reaching the receiver and creating the desired effect. They can be classified into (1) physical barriers, and (2) sociopsychological barriers.

Physical barriers include channel and environmental factors. Examples of channels are microphones, telephones, and radios. Environmental factors includepotential disruptions around the source and receiver such as noise, brightness, and temperature. For instance, if the place is too hot and bright, or if the vendors around are too noisy, tourists may not be able to understand the tour guide well.

Sociopsychological barriers include differences in pronunciation, meanings, emotional blocks like stress, and “communicators’ role and stature within a group” (Flor & Ongkiko, 2006).

Tour guides should not perceive communication barriers as problems, but as “challenge” that can be surmounted. In facing these challenges, tour guides will learn about other cultures and improve their service in the process.