| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
BRUNEI’S diving industry has generated a revenue of B$800,000 during the 2010-2017 period and is expected to significantly assist in the country’s efforts to create a strong, diversified and sustainable economy.
The sector is bourgeoning with revenues gradually increasing over the years and the industry is well prepared to see further leap by 2020 when it expects an annual inflow of 5,000 tourist divers into the country, according to the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.
Delivering a speech at the official launching of the Brunei Diving Package at the Serasa Watersports Complex in Serasa Beach, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali also said Brunei boasts more than 60 pristine diving sites including some 30 shipwrecks, beautiful coral reefs, rich marine life and rare macro-critters – all makes Brunei a very exciting diving destination.
“Brunei has over 410 coral species and 700 species of reef fish. The Sultanate’s diving industry prides itself over its continuous marine conservation efforts as the country’s coral life is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world.
“For long-term sustainability of the diving industry, we all have a role to actively conserve the coral reefs and diversity of marine life,” the minister said.
“According to the statistics provided by our dive operators, Brunei recorded over 10,000 divers between 2010 and 2017 – which means an average of 1,400 divers per year – and of this, 38 per cent were overseas tourist divers.”
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, looking at one of the exhibition sites at the Serasa Watersports Complex. – MUIZ MATDANI
“Major source markets of tourist divers are Malaysia and Singapore which account for nearly 40 per cent of the total market share, while other divers come from Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and also the Far East. On average, divers spend about B$1,500 per person per package and stay about six days,” the minister explained.
He added that the Tourism Development Department has set a target of 5,000 tourist divers per year as part of its vision to achieve 450,000 inbound tourist arrivals by air by 2020.
In achieving these goals, the minister urged the need for concerted efforts by dive operators, travel agents and airlines in their international promotional activities to attract new and repeat divers.
“We realise that diving is a niche market that requires a great deal of promotion to ensure growth of this sector.
“Hence, cross-selling and cross-promotion of diving and non-diving packages are crucial and should be further enhanced to include other tourism products and experiences such as Temburong, Bandar Seri Begawan or Kampong Ayer Packages,” he noted.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali also highlighted the need to come up with fresh initiatives and exciting products to ensure high quality in the services offered by dive operators in Brunei.
The minister also said that his ministry, through the Tourism Development Department, has been working closely with dive operators, Marine Department, Royal Brunei Navy, Association of Travel Agents Brunei (ATAB) and Brunei Association of Hotels (BAH) that hold important roles in ensuring that proper procedures and well-maintained infrastructures are in place for the divers.
“The government believes that the diving sector will continue to assist in our efforts to create a strong, diversified and sustainable economy.
“We applaud the diving operators on their continuous efforts in making a positive impact on the economy, as this enables us to move closer to the diversification goal of Vision 2035 of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government,” he added.
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