Twelve licensed tourist guides completed a three-day storytelling workshop at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism yesterday.
The workshop, organised by the Tourism Development Department, aimed to equip tourist guides with the skills and techniques necessary to create captivating narratives that engage and inspire travellers.
Acting Deputy Director of the Tourism Development Department Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati binti Haji Abdul Aji presented certificates to the participants.
Led by master trainer from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Malaysia, Jimmy Leong Wie Kong, the workshop explored the art and science of storytelling.
It emphasised the power of narratives in guiding, with a focus on creating engaging stories that build trust and transmit heritage values.
The training included interactive sessions, group activities and on-site practice. The ministry said with the growing demand for enriched travel experiences, the role of tourist guides has evolved.
Today, visitors seek authentic connections and memorable encounters, rather than merely reciting historical facts or descriptions of landmarks.
The ability to tell compelling stories has now become a defining trait of exceptional tourist guides. The workshop offered an opportunity for the guides to refine their storytelling abilities, focusing on improving communication skills and enhancing their ability to convey stories and information effectively. Well-crafted storytelling evokes emotions, fostering a deeper connection between guides and tourists, in turn increasing tourist satisfaction. The Tourism Development Department has been organising similar workshops since 2024 and plans to continue offering them this year to further enhance the storytelling and information delivery skills of the tourist guides. – James Kon
