KUCHING: Sarawak is taking steps to support the development of tourist guides in the state through conferences and training.
State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said this was important in helping Sarawak achieve its target of five million visitor arrivals this year.
"To sustain this growth, our tourist guides must be well supported, well equipped and ready to meet future demands," he said when announcing the third Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference here on Friday (March 27).
Snowdan said the conference, scheduled for Oct 13-15 in Sibu, was one of two key steps by the ministry to develop tourist guides through creating a platform for learning, collaboration and regional exchange.
He said the ministry had also allocated funding to train new registered region-specific tourist guides and Sarawak park guides to strenghten the talent pipeline.
"This reflects Sarawak’s legacy-driven approach to conferences. We use business events as platforms to develop industries, strengthen capabilities and create long-term positive outcomes.
"In doing so, we position Sarawak not just as a destination but as a strategic partner that delivers results that matter," he said.
Snowdan added that the ministry would continue to support conferences aligning with Sarawak's development priorities.
"We welcome partners who share this vision and encourage international delegates to take the knowledge, experience and impact created here in Sarawak back to their organisations and destinations," he said.
Some 1,000 delegates from Southeast Asia are expected to attend the upcoming conference, which is organised by the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association and Malaysian Tourist Guides Council with support from Business Events Sarawak.
It will address challenges in the tourist guiding industry, such as the rise of digital and AI-driven travel tools, evolving visitor expectations and a shortage of qualified guides, while fostering collaboration among tourism frontliners in the region.
