BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Brunei government is exploring the development of a cultural village to showcase the country’s rich heritage of seven indigenous ethnic groups. The initiative will serve to create a focal point for visitors to experience the rich culture of Brunei without going miles and miles. The government is currently exploring the feasibility and potential location for the venture.
Minister for Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin, made these announcements during the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday (March 17).
To further rationalize the tourism sector, four expert working committees have been constituted to focus on connectivity, infrastructure, manpower, and product enhancement. These committees will function in tandem with departments such as the Immigration Department, the Ministry of Home Affairs, district headquarters, and players in the hospitality sector to ensure that the tourist experience from arrival to departure is as seamless as possible.
Infrastructure Development and Promotion of the Film Industry
Two of the key infrastructure development projects in the National Development Plan have been regarded as necessary to complement tourism facilities. However, due to the budget, the government is seeking additional funds to implement these projects this year.
Additionally, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) is leveraging media and film productions to promote Brunei as a tourist destination. Past international productions, including Law of the Jungle (2015), Battle Trip (2017), Asadal Chronicles (2018), and Top Gear (2018), contributed to a 53% increase in Korean tourist arrivals between 2015 and 2019. Recent collaborations with Indonesia’s Indosiar network have also showcased Brunei’s Ramadan experiences as part of its Islamic tourism initiatives.
Eco-tourism and Conservation Programmes
Brunei continues to advance its eco-tourism initiative with scientific displays and research missions such as the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Biodiversity and the Taxon Expedition with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Brunei is also nominating several recreational parks to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy programme, reinforcing its efforts to conserve forests.
Future eco-tourism activities include the Forest to Reef Expedition at MYCE 2025 with well-known wildlife specialists and YouTube personalities, further establishing Brunei as a sustainable tourism leader.
Increasing Emphasis on Agritourism and Rural Tourism
Agritourism is also an area of interest for Brunei as an economic diversification strategy. The MPRT is educating local farmers in sustainable tourism models and incorporating handicraft exhibitions and agri-food experiences into tourist packages. For local businesspeople, dedicated retail space has been provided at the Kampung Ayer Cultural Tourism Gallery and Muara Cruise Ship Terminal to market local products.
In a move to help small and medium businesses in the agriculture sector, the government has put in place initiatives for firms to expand their pioneer-scheme farm area from two to four hectares. Initiatives are also being made towards reducing post-harvest losses through mobile cold storage, with action in progress for establishing long-term set-ups for preservation of perishable goods.
Through these initiatives, Brunei aims to drive its tourism industry, create new economic prospects for domestic businesses, and become a sustainable tourist destination in the region.
