BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Fourteen individuals who completed the Basic Tour Guide Course received certificates in a ceremony at Setia Pahlawan Hall, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Thursday (Sept 17).
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Primary Resources and Tourism) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Muhammad Safwan Abdullah Bibi officiated the certificate presentation.
The Basic Tour Guide Course conducted from August 10 to 20, 2026, marked the 19th edition of the course since its introduction in 2016. The course is one of the prerequisites set by the Tourism Development Department for individuals seeking to become licensed tour guides in Brunei.
The course is among the strategic initiatives undertaken by the Tourism Development Department in preparation for Visit Brunei Year 2027.
Through the acquisition of core skills, high levels of competency and in-depth knowledge, the newly trained tour guides will serve as frontline ambassadors, playing an important role in welcoming international and domestic visitors.
Participants are equipped to provide tourists with accurate, consistent and engaging information on Brunei’s history, culture, heritage and tourism destinations, contributing towards a welcoming and high-impact visitor experience.
The initiative also creates professional employment opportunities for locals, particularly youth, while strengthening the competitiveness of the country’s tourism industry.
Tour guides who have completed the Basic Tour Guide Course are required to submit an application to the Tourism Development Department to obtain a tour guide licence.
The department reminded that any individual providing tour guide services or advertise tours without a valid licence may result in legal action under Section 20(3) of the Tourism Act, Chapter 239. For a first offence, offenders may be fined up to BND5,000 (US$3,915), while a second or subsequent offence carries a fine of up to BND10,000.
It is hoped that the participants will be able to apply the knowledge, ethics and professional service standards acquired during the course to provide high-quality services.
The presence of these newly certified tour guides will directly strengthen the country’s tourism service capacity in meeting the needs of tourists, enhancing Brunei’s positive tourism image, and subsequently supporting the success of the Visit Brunei Year 2027 campaign. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
