The Role of English Communication in TouristInformation Center Serving in International Tourists.NPM:217010028

This study examines "The Role of English Communication in Tourist Information Centers Serving in International Tourist" and aims to analyze the role of English in TIC. The research focuses on two aspects: (1) What difficulties do TIC staffs faced in using English when serving international tourists, and (2) What communication strategies do TIC staff use to overcome language barriers when serving international tourists? This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation with four TIC staff members in Bandung. Data analysis was conducted using Miles and Huberman's (1994) theory, which consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research findings indicate that the main challenges faced by TIC staffs include understanding diverse accents, limited knowledge about destinations outside Bandung, handling tourists who do not speak English, and cultural differences. To address these challenges, TIC staffs employ several strategies, including non-verbal communication (gestures, maps, brochures), demonstrating a friendly attitude, and using translation apps such as Google Translate. Overall, it shows that the English language proficiency of TIC staffs is generally adequate and contributes to effective communication. However, improvements are needed in comprehension, listening skills, and broader knowledge of tourism. This research highlights the importance of English proficiency in improving service quality in tourism. This research is expected to provide practical insights for enhancing the competencies of TIC staffs and theoretical contributions to studies on English language communication in the tourism industry, particularly in the context of tourism services in the city of Bandung. In addition, it underlines the growing relevance of communication skills as a key factor in shaping professional service standards in global tourism. Keywords: English communication, tourist information center, communication barriers, nonverbal communication strategies.