Brunei Darussalam is intensifying its endeavours to revamp its tourism sector, striving for international recognition as a top ecotourism destination. The country’s main focus is to provide visitors with immersive experiences in its unspoiled natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventurous activities.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf bin Metussin, made these remarks during a round table discussion titled ‘Tourism Pillar Promoting Sustainable Tourism in BIMP-EAGA: Challenges and Opportunities.’ In his keynote address, which was delivered by the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf emphasized the need to promote tourism through enhanced sustainable practices.
Some of the initiatives include attracting a greater number of ecotourists and sustainable travellers, fostering robust community support for low-carbon lifestyles, empowering locals for community-based tourism, and achieving certifications for sustainable tourism efforts within the industry.
Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf also highlighted the significance of regenerative tourism, a sustainable approach to travel that encourages visitors to ‘give back to nature and the local community.’ For instance, the Eco Ponies Garden is renowned for its sustainable farming practices, featuring a community garden that cultivates various herbs and offers a farm-to-table experience, setting an example for this innovative approach.”
The Tourism Development Department recently hosted an exhibition at the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery in celebration of World Tourism Day 2023, aligning with this year’s theme of ‘Tourism and Sustainable Investments.’ The Green Horizons exhibition aimed to raise awareness of sustainable practices, such as adopting a low-waste lifestyle and eco-friendly initiatives.
Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and the establishment of networks and partnerships to unlock the economic potential of sustainable tourism. He highlighted the challenges facing the tourism industry and emphasised the importance of addressing them collectively. Regarding tourist arrivals in the country, he noted that the pre-COVID-19 period witnessed consistent growth, with an annual increase of 15 per cent, from 218,809 tourists in 2016 to 333,244 tourists in 2019, marking the highest number of arrivals in 2019. However, the pandemic severely impacted the industry, causing a significant decline in tourist arrivals.
Following the easing of border restrictions in 2022, there was a remarkable recovery, with arrivals surging by 907.6 per cent, from 3,543 in 2021 to 35,701. Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf also highlighted the potential for collaboration among Brunei, Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), and the Philippines, emphasizing their importance as strategic partners in the region. All BIMP countries are actively improving their tourism facilities, with a particular focus on developing products, especially at community-based ecotourism sites. Various marketing campaigns are underway to boost tourism activities at these sites, and the Sister Village program will enhance collaboration and joint initiatives among participating villages, particularly in sustainable tourism and promotional activities.
During the roundtable discussion, tourism players from the Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region, diplomats, and private sector members emphasized the significance of connectivity and collaboration to create business and investment opportunities. They also underscored the importance of infrastructure development, such as the proposed international airport in Lahad Datu, Sabah, which has the potential to tap into new markets. Both the government and private sector were encouraged to embrace sustainable tourism promotion, including integrating sustainable development goals into their establishments, such as using solar power, and e-vehicles for transportation, and implementing effective waste management practices in hotels and resorts. – Nurul Hanizah
