The Tourism Development Department is committed to supporting professional journey of tourist guides and has developed a comprehensive certification programme designed to equip them with the necessary skills and information to maximise their career options in the tourism sector.
Through targeted training programmes and readily available resources, the department aim to help tourist guides develop the skills and knowledge needed to progress to the next level in their careers.
The importance of developing a comprehensive skill for tourist guides was underscored by Acting Director of Tourism Development Salinah binti Haji Mohd Salleh in her congratulatory speech at the Career Progression presentation ceremony for tourist guides yesterday at Setia Pahlawan Hall, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).
She added, “The initiatives are designed to provide an attractive career path and valuable personal growth opportunities for our tourist guides. By investing in your development, we are not only investing in your individual success but also in the competitiveness and future of Brunei’s tourism industry. The investment ensures we have a skilled and qualified workforce capable of delivering world-class experiences to our visitors.”
She also emphasised the importance of continuous learning and development in the dynamic industry.
She said, “By actively participating in these opportunities, you are also escalating your credit points, which are a valuable measure of your professional growth and expertise. These credit points, earned through the completion of training, accumulate towards your overall experience level and open doors to new opportunities.”
Being accredited, she said, “has its perks. It brings greater recognition within the industry, leading to enhanced professional standing and increased earning potential. It facilitates professional development and ensures a higher level of skills and knowledge, enabling you to provide exceptional service to our visitors.”
During the ceremony, two individuals were acknowledged on becoming senior tourist guides while the remaining 65 were recognised as junior tourist guides.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, the guest of honour, handed over the pins to the senior and junior tourist guides.
Brunei introduced a new Career Progression Framework for Tourist Guides in 2024 to improve the quality and professionalism in tourist guiding services.
The initiative is aimed at providing better experiences for visitors while encouraging ongoing learning and growth in the tourism industry.
Tourist guides can now earn certification to showcase their qualifications and skills, ensuring clear professional standards and better training, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience including their primary role to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists under their care while offering valuable insights into the destinations they visit.
The framework also focuses on developing key skills like communication, storytelling, problem-solving and interpersonal abilities while ensuring guides have a strong understanding of the destination they work in so they can provide accurate and relevant information to all types of tourists.
Specialised courses will also be offered, covering a wide range of areas within the guiding profession including bird watching, nature and wildlife, culture and heritage, museum, culinary, botanical, adventure, archaeological, scuba diving, agro tourism and special needs visitor guide courses. Such initiatives are aimed to create an attractive career path for tourist guides and to produce skilled, qualified workers who will contribute to the competitiveness and growth of the tourism industry. – James Kon
