Datuk Joniston Bangkuai receiving a memento from World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) president Sebastian Frankenberger (4th right) at the launching of the 1st WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will study becoming a dedicated nature guide training hub for both local and foreign participants.
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said with its biodiversity, landscapes, and ecotourism appeal, Sabah is a natural choice for such training centres.
“With a structured plan, we can further position Sabah as a leader in nature-based tourist guide training,” he said after launching the first ever World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) trainer convention here, Thursday (Feb 20).
He said this five-day convention held from Feb 17 to Feb 21, is a recognition from the WFTGA on Sabah as an ideal place for an international training centre for nature interpretation guides.
In welcoming the recognition, Bangkuai, who is Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman said this aligned with Sabah’s focus on culture, adventure, and nature tourism and requested the Sabah Tourist Guides Association (STGA) to discuss the matter further with WFTGA.
He said the convention which brought together 100 participants from 27 countries, including virtual attendees, provides an opportunity for guides to adapt and innovate.
“For this industry to thrive, we must continue to learn and evolve. This convention is a step toward a stronger and more sustainable future in tourism,” he said.
“The WFTGA’s recognition of our potential is an opportunity for collaboration, and as a developing region, I hope the federation will support destinations like Sabah and consider us as a future host for its biennial congress,” said Bangkuai.
Earlier, WFTGA president Sebastian Frankenberger praised the state’s natural environment as an excellent setting for developing nature interpretation guides.
“What beautiful nature you have… Sabah is the perfect place to focus on nature interpretation,” he said.
“We need different training centres, and one dedicated to nature interpretation would be an excellent addition,” he said.
Frankenberger emphasised the need for proper training, highlighting topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), improving guiding standards, and inclusivity within the industry.
During the programme, participants engaged in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions designed to help them grow as industry leaders.
To complement their learning, participants joined tours around Sabah for firsthand exposure to the state’s tourism offerings, with post-convention activities including river cruises and wildlife encounters.
Present were STGA president Roger Rajah, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Sabah Convention Bureau chief executive officer Noredah Othman, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, and STGA past president Grace Leong, who is also the organising chairperson.
