Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Industry Forum (TATGIF) 2025

About TATGIF 2025

Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Industry Forum (TATGIF) 2025

The Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Industry Forum (TATGIF) 2025 brought together 570 industry leaders and professionals to explore innovation and authentic storytelling in tourism. With the theme 'Navigating the Future of Tourism Through Innovation', the forum unveiled key initiatives including the refreshed Travel Agents Roadmap, Future of Guiding 2.0 (Phase 2) and Tourist Guides Recognition Awards (TGRA) 2025.

Key Highlights from TATGIF 2025

A) Plenary Session

Opening Remarks | Ms Melissa Ow, STB Chief Executive

Ms Melissa Ow, STB Chief Executive, delivering the opening remarks.

Ms. Melissa Ow highlighted 2024's strong tourism results and shared that the first half of 2025 saw 8.3 million visitors and $8.1 billion in the first quarter's receipts. She introduced Tourism 2040 (T2040), STB’s roadmap to future-proof the sector, along with two key initiatives: the refreshed, industry-led Travel Agents Roadmap, and Future of Guiding 2.0 (Phase 2). She underscored the role of Travel Agents (TAs) and Tourist Guides (TGs) as innovative, agile and authentic storytellers to drive quality tourism.

Speech by STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow

An Update on TATG Initiatives and Plans | Ms Annie Chang, Executive Director, Travel Agents and Tourist Guides

Ms Annie Chang, Executive Director of Travel Agents and Tourist Guides, delivering her presentation. 

Ms. Annie Chang reviewed achievements in the past year, and unveiled plans for the industry:

1. For TAs: The refreshed TA Roadmap envisions TAs as Curators of Travel that Inspire, creating value through the 3Es - Embracing Innovation and Technology, Exploring new products and networks, and Expanding customer reach. The roadmap is built on three pillars: Digitalisation and Productivity; Innovation and Sustainability; and Jobs and Skills.

2. For TGs: The Future of Guiding 2.0 (Phase 2) introduces a new "Learn and Do" licence renewal framework starting in 2026, requiring two learn activities and two guiding assignments annually.

3. For TAs and TGs: TRUST 2.0, an upgraded licensing system, will be launched in Q1 2026 with streamlined processes, real-time data sharing and an intuitive dashboard.

Presentation deck by Ms Annie Chang

From Guide to Storyteller: Reigniting Passion and Presence in Every Tour | Ms Pei Shyuan Yeo, Everyday Tour Company and Mr Yong Min Ho, The Urbanist Singapore

Ms Pei Shyuan Yeo, Everyday Tour Company and Mr Yong Min Ho, The Urbanist Singapore, delivering their presentation. 

In today’s tourism landscape, success requires authenticity, creativity, and personality, not just knowledge. Ms Pei Shyuan Yeo and Mr Yong Min Ho shared how TGs can stand out by using their passion and storytelling skills, introducing the Passion-Content Compass to help TGs express their passion.

Presentation deck by Ms Pei Shyuan Yeo and Mr Yong Min Ho

What Kills Innovation: Identify Innovation Killers and Develop Antidotes | Mr Nav Qirti, Ideactio and School of MetaSkills

Mr Nav Qirti, Ideactio and School of MetaSkills, delivering his presentation. 

Mr Nav Qirti examined three key barriers to innovation in individuals and organisations: Myopia, Monkey Mind, and Inertia. He illustrated how these often-overlooked behaviours and cultural norms hinder progress, and presented a structured method to identify and address them effectively.

Presentation deck by Mr Nav Qirti

Tourist Guides Recognition Awards (TGRA) 2025

Yashodhara D/O Dhoraisingam receiving the Outstanding Tourist Guide Award from STB Chief Executive Ms Melissa Ow.

Brixton Jeou receiving the Outstanding Tourist Guide Award from STB Chief Executive Ms Melissa Ow.

Alvin Chiong Weng Inn receiving the Innovation Award from STB Chief Executive Ms Melissa Ow.

Pak-Juan Koe being presented the Newcomer Award by STB Chief Executive Ms Melissa Ow.

The forum celebrated seven exemplary TGs, as part of the biennial TGRA:

1. Outstanding Tourist Guide Award for exceptional service and significant contributions to the profession: Yashodhara D/O Dhoraisingam and Brixton Jeou

2. Innovation Award for creative, original approaches to showcasing Singapore: Alvin Chiong Weng Inn and Yap Seow Choong

3. Newcomer Award for demonstrating outstanding TGs within their first two years: John Wee Chun Sing, Mark Lam Tiam Weng, and Pak-Juan Koe

B) Breakout Sessions

C) Elevate Zone

D) Evening Networking Session

The day ended with an informal networking session for TGs, TAs, and TOs to connect and explore collaborations. It offered a valuable opportunity for meaningful industry conversations.

Please save the date for next year's TATGIF 2026 on 23 July 2026 (Thu)!

Attendees participating in e-quizzes to win the limited-edition Merlion LABUBU Hide and Seek in Singapore Series vinyl plush pendants.

Travel agents participating actively at a hands-on innovation workshop.

Tourist guides capturing notes on the new "Learn and Do" licence renewal framework.

STB's Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Division.

About the Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Industry Forum

The Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Industry Forum is organised annually by STB for travel agents and tourist guides. It offers practical insights on the latest trends, fosters growth and promotes cross-sector collaboration.

_{Note: Data and insights presented above are based on information available up to TATGIF 2025 and may not reflect current developments. For the latest updates, please refer to Stan or contact STB for more information.}