KUCHING: The 1st Asean Tourist Guides Conference will take place from Oct 24 to 26, 2024, at Imperial Hotel here.
The programme organised by the Sarawak Tourist Guide Association (SKTGA) carries the message “Unity in Excellence in Tourist Guidance,” focusing on a collaborative approach to enhancing travel experiences and ensuring a stronger future for tourist guide communities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said tourist guides are an important part of tourism that connects visitors with the culture and heritage of destinations.
“However, tourists have more access to information and tourism services online than ever before, putting pressure on the industry. Furthermore, visitors are increasingly concerned about costs in the current economic climate.”
He said this during a press conference here on Thursday (May 2).
Abdul Karim added that tourism is part of the service industry, contributing 37 per cent of Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023.
“We generated RM9.99bil in tourism revenue last year, a growth of 101.41 per cent.
“Despite these very good statistics, we must prioritise the protection and promotion of tourist guides and recognise the invaluable contribution and unique experiences they offer.”
Meanwhile, SKTGA chairman Edwin Lim said as tourism services move towards digitalisation, certain aspects of the tourism industry and guiding will also diminish.
“It is an urgent call to action that tourist guides must evolve with technology, emphasising the strength of the tourist guide community and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure continued progress in adapting to changing technologies and consumer preferences.”
The conference targets 400 representatives and is projected to generate an income of RM3.3mil for the economy.
In addition, the conference is supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTCP), the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Sarawak Business Events (BESarawak), the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and the Sarawak Tourism Federation.
