Elevating Service Quality in Tourism for Visit Malaysia 2026: An Academic-Industry Collaboration

The Taylor's School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Tourist Guides Association (KLTGA), successfully organized an academic-industry engagement event titled "Empowering Tourist Guides Towards Visit Malaysia 2026: A Tourist Guide Academic Training & Workshop." Held at Taylor’s University, this initiative aimed to elevate service quality in tourism by introducing industry professionals to the latest academic advancements while providing Bachelor of International Tourism Management students with valuable industry exposure.

The workshop served as a platform to explore the evolving standards of service excellence in tourism, equipping both professionals and students with practical insights and forward-thinking strategies to enhance the overall guest experience. Led by Mr. Nantha Gopal Muniandy, alongside 20 Bachelor of International Tourism Management students, the workshop was seamlessly organized and coordinated. It welcomed 40 professional tour guides from KLTGA, fostering a dynamic exchange of academic knowledge and industry expertise.

The first session of the workshop introduced tour guides to key academic themes aligned with current industry needs, including Education for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Tourism, Senior Tourism, and the Use of Digital Tools in Tourism Planning. These crucial topics were presented by Dr. Thanam Subramaniam, Dr. Nagathisen Katahenggam, Mr. Nantha Gopal Muniandy, and Mr. Ch’ng Chor Ban, who shared valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices in the tourism sector. The speakers emphasized the significance of integrating sustainability, innovation, and digitalization into guiding practices to enhance the overall visitor experience.

The second half of the workshop featured an interactive group activity, where tour guides applied academic insights to real-world tourism scenarios through case studies. With support from 20 tourism students, participants showcased their findings to the panel of speakers. Each group was allocated 15 minutes to present, successfully demonstrating a strong integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

The event concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony recognizing the 40 tour guides, students, and speakers for their contributions. This impactful initiative not only strengthened the professional capabilities of tour guides but also reinforced their role as educators in sustainable tourism. By fostering academic-industry collaboration, the workshop supports the goals of Visit Malaysia 2026 and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.