BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Brunei is tackling a rise in tourism marred by an increase in illegal tour guides and unlicensed individuals using foreign transportation companies, the Tourism Development Department under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism said in a public warning on Sunday.
According to the department, the growing popularity of Brunei as a travel destination has attracted individuals offering guiding services without proper licenses, which jeopardizes the integrity of the tourism industry, raising concerns about the quality of experiences provided to visitors.
In response, the Tourism Development Department urges tourists and travel agencies to hire only licensed tourist guides who possess in-depth knowledge and official license issued by the department, ensuring a safer and more enriching experience for visitors.
"To identify licensed tourist guides, visitors are advised to look for Brunei licensed travel agencies who have licensed tourist guides with official identification badges issued by the Tourism Development Department. These badges prominently display the guide's name, photograph, and tourist guide license number with expiry dates," the department said. ■
