| James Kon |
THE Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through the Tourism Development Department is looking to double the number of tourist arrivals by air from 218,000 per annum recorded last year to 450,000 by 2020.
The target to increase tourist arrivals into the country was revealed by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, in his opening remarks at the launching of the new ‘Temburong Holiday Destination’ packages yesterday at the ministry’s Setia Pahlawan Hall.
“The MPRT’s immediate strategic focus is primarily on product development and product upgrade. In this regard, we have identified three categories of tourism products namely the primary, emerging and actively based tourism products,” said the minister.
Primary products, he said, “include the Ulu Temburong National Park and its surroundings, Kampong Ayer and the surrounding mangroves and places of interest around Bandar Seri Begawan. These products are already well-recognised as the main attractions among local and foreign tourists.”
Emerging products, he explained, “will include the beaches, forest recreational parks such as Serasa Beach, Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park, and Tasek Merimbun. The MPRT and other relevant agencies are currently examining the potential of these emerging tourism products to be upgraded and eventually developed as primary products.”
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, delivering his opening remarks at the launching of the new ‘Temburong Holiday Destination’ packages. – JAMES KON
Exchange of document after the signing ceremony between Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy) of the Ministry of Health and Dr Chairat Panthuraamphorn, Chief Executive Officer of BNH Medical Centre Limited. – ACHONG TANJONG
Activity based products, the minister said, “will focus on diving, bird watching, Islamic tourism, medical tourism, traditional sport tourism, cruise tourism, educational tourism, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), and adventure and community-based tourism”.
He also cited the recently launched ‘Birdwatching in Brunei’ booklet as part of the continuous efforts in collaboration with local industry stakeholders to promote Brunei Darussalam as a destination for bird watching enthusiasts.
On the many reasons why Brunei is an excellent choice as a holiday destination, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali said, “Brunei Darussalam is a small, prosperous, politically stable and peaceful country. It is mostly covered with pristine tropical rainforest rich in exotic flora and fauna. Brunei is a paradise for nature lovers and eco tourism in general.”
The minister also conveyed his thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Home Affairs for their efforts in facilitating and easing the process of obtaining visas into Brunei Darussalam for tourists from China, Turkey and Russia. Such efforts have immediately resulted in making Brunei Darussalam a more attractive tourism destination.
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