Nineteen participants received certificates upon completing a basic tourist guide course at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism’s (MPRT) Setia Pahlawan Hall.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab officiated the event.
Course participant Norhidayah binti Yahaya emphasised the importance of the course for those without a tourism background, as it helps them structure information more clearly and effectively when guiding tourists. She also highlighted the value of knowledge sharing among participants, fostering learning and understanding.
Adilah binti Pehin Dato Haji Ishak noted that the course is crucial for standardising information about popular attractions in Brunei, preventing tourist confusion. She further emphasised the importance of storytelling skills, which can make the tour experience more engaging and exciting for tourists.
The course, first introduced in 2016, is a prerequisite for obtaining a tourist guide licence in Brunei. The course, conducted in collaboration with the Tourism Development Department and Laksamana College of Business (LCB), aims to improve tour guide skills, ensure quality service and open up job opportunities for locals, particularly youth.
Since its inception, 216 tour guides have completed the course. The 15th Basic Tourist Guide Course, held from October 1 to 12, covered practical and theoretical skills, including the introduction to key tourist destinations and the tourism industry in Brunei.
Operating as a tour guide without a valid licence is an offence.
In light of the growing demand for tourist guides, the Tourism Development Department encourages young people to enroll in the upcoming course which will be offered in February next year. – Lyna Mohamad & James Kon
