Escort interpreting primarily refers to interpreting services provided during international liaison and reception activities. It covers a wide range of situations, including welcoming and accompanying guests, itinerary coordination, business visits, tourism and hospitality, protocol and etiquette, exhibitions and events, business negotiations, and everyday interactions. Escort interpreters are expected to possess strong spoken communication skills, a solid understanding of international reception etiquette, and the ability to accurately interpret conversations in diverse cross-cultural settings. They must be able to facilitate smooth two-way communication and deliver accurate consecutive interpretation suitable for official reception activities.

Compared with conference interpreting, escort interpreting is generally less formal. Interpreting segments are usually shorter, often limited to single sentences or brief exchanges. Escort interpreters typically accompany international guests throughout various activities and often take on multiple roles, such as liaison officers or tour guides. At the same time, they must be capable of handling formal interpreting assignments during meetings and negotiations.

Typical assignments include tourism and cultural activities, exhibitions and trade shows, and business negotiations.