Sarawak to host tourist guide conference
Sarawak to host tourist guide conference — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
Sarawak will host the 3rd Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference 2026 from 13 to 15 October at Kingwood Hotel in Sibu, organisers announced Tuesday. The event, expected to draw 1,000 delegates from across Southeast Asia, aims to strengthen ASEAN guiding standards and further position Sarawak as a leading business events destination. The conference follows the inaugural gathering in Kuching in 2024 and coincides with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with regional tourism professionals, including those from Phuket, among the anticipated participants.
Focus on Industry Challenges and Professional Development
Conference organisers said the tourist guiding profession faces mounting challenges, including the proliferation of digital and AI-driven travel tools, changing visitor expectations, and a shortage of qualified guides. The Sarawak Tourist Guides Association, working with the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council and Business Events Sarawak, is prioritising training and upskilling to ensure the workforce remains resilient and capable.
Efforts are underway to accelerate the training of new Registered Regional Specific Tourist Guides and Sarawak Park Guides. Organisers highlighted the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce to meet Sarawak’s target of 5 million visitors by 2026.
Regional Collaboration and Broader Impact
The conference will serve as a platform for strengthening regional networks and fostering collaboration among tourism frontliners in Southeast Asia. According to event officials, hosting the event in Sibu supports inclusive tourism development and aims to share the benefits of tourism and business events across Sarawak.
Business Events Sarawak emphasised that modern business events must deliver measurable impact, not just attendance. The organisers view regional collaboration among tourist guides as essential for elevating professional standards and contributing to sustainable tourism growth throughout Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Source: https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2026/04/sarawak-to-host-tourist-guide-conference/
