Kuching: The 1st Asean Tourist Guide Conference will be held here at the Imperial Hotel from October 24th to 26th, 2024.
Organized by the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association (SKTGA), the program carries the message of “Unity of Excellence in Tourist Guides” to enhance the travel experience and ensure a stronger future for the tour guide community within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We focus on a collaborative approach to
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamza said tourist guides are an important part of tourism that connects visitors with the culture and heritage of a destination.
“However, tourists are able to access information and tourism services online more than ever before, putting pressure on the industry. Additionally, visitors are becoming increasingly concerned about costs in the current economic climate. ”
He said this at a press conference here on Thursday (May 2).
Abdul Karim added that tourism is part of the service industry and will account for 37% of Sarawak’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
“Last year, tourism revenue was RM9.99 billion, with a growth rate of 101.41%.
“Despite these very impressive statistics, we must prioritize the protection and promotion of tourist guides and recognize the valuable contribution and unique experiences they offer.”
Meanwhile, SKTGA chairman Edwin Lim said that as tourism services move towards digitalization, certain aspects of the tourism industry and guiding will also decline.
“It is an urgent call to action that tourist guides evolve with technology, highlighting the strengths of the tourist guide community and working with relevant stakeholders to adapt to changing technology and consumer preferences and continue to We need to ensure that progress is made.”
The conference is aimed at 400 delegates and is expected to generate RM3.3 million in revenue for the economy.
Additionally, the conference is sponsored by Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTCP), Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Sarawak Business Events (BESarawak), Malaysian Tourist Guides Council and Sarawak Tourism Board. (STB), and Sarawak Tourism Federation.
