JOHOR BARU: Tourist guides will play a crucial role in making Visit Malaysia Year 2026 a success as their skills will not only attract more visitors but also encourage repeat visits, says the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council.
Its president Jimmy Leong (pic) said tourist guides should also be given training in multiple languages to cater to a diverse international audience.
“Tourist guides are essential in delivering authentic experiences and fulfilling the expectations set by marketing campaigns.
“Their expertise and knowledge enable them to bring Malaysia’s rich culture and history to life, providing personalised and engaging tours that enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the country.
“They act as cultural ambassadors, ensuring that tourists leave with memorable and positive experiences that encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations,” he said when asked about the WP Travel report.
The report saw Malaysia in 14th place among the world’s top tourist destinations this year by welcoming 26.1 million tourists, a significant increase from 20.14 million visitors the previous year.
Leong said that maintaining Malaysia as a top tourist destination would require significant effort, innovative ideas and dedication.
“Competing in a global arena necessitates a unique approach to presenting ourselves to international travellers. Instead of merely selling touristic products, we should focus on offering experiences,” he said.
To offer unique experiences, the government could promote cultural immersion through events where tourists can participate in activities such as batik painting and cooking classes, he added.
Adventure tourism could also be expanded, with activities like hiking in Taman Negara, diving at Sipadan Island, and exploring the caves in Mulu National Park, he said.
“In a successful tourism model, the government creates a strong brand, such as ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’, and tour operators align their packages with this brand.
“Achieving this requires every Malaysian to embrace tourism, acting as hospitable hosts to all visitors. By ‘thinking tourism’ and ‘acting tourism’, we can collectively enhance visitor experience and uphold Malaysia’s reputation as a premier tourist destination,” he said.
Promoting sustainable tourism is also key. The government should implement policies to protect natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of tourism, Leong added.
“Ecotourism destinations and sustainable travel options should be highlighted, emphasising conservation efforts in places like Borneo’s wildlife sanctuaries and the preservation of coral reefs.
“Local communities should be involved in tourism activities, ensuring they benefit economically while preserving their cultural heritage.
“The government could also collaborate with international influencers and travel bloggers to showcase Malaysian destinations and experiences, and develop high-quality virtual tours of key tourist spots to entice potential visitors,” he said.
