| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE number of international tourist arrivals to Brunei Darussalam was 217,452 in October 2017, with a 10 per cent increase expected for 2018.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, told the Bulletin that the visa waivers should provide Brunei with the opportunity to encourage Russian or Turkish travellers in Asia to include Brunei as one of their next destinations.
“Our local travel agents can now link up with their counterparts, in promoting and creating attractive tour packages for long or short stays in Brunei,” he said.
“For example, over the past year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry of Home Affairs assisted in the arrangement of Visas-on-Arrival and multiple entry visas for passport holders from the People’s Republic of China, in addition to visa waivers for up to 30 days, for Turkish passport holders.
“Recently, Russian nationals may visit the country for up to 14 days, from their date of arrival.”
The deputy permanent secretary added that the nationwide celebration which occurs annually on February 23 is a much-anticipated event for the local populace and visiting tourists eager to witness the on-field performances staged in the capital, in honour of Brunei’s National Day.
“The celebration has always been considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity among tourists who have already witnessed it,” he said.
He also disclosed that Royal Brunei Airlines is working closely with government departments and agencies in Brunei and China, for the recommencement of services to Beijing, along with other destinations.
Additionally, Brunei is set to host two international golfing tournaments for the next three years, namely the Richard Mille Brunei Championship on March 8-10, and the Brunei Ladies Open on March 17-19, at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
A few other signature events will also be held this year, such as the Asian Enduro Series and the Brunei December Festival.
The post Visa waivers, colourful events expected to bring in more tourists this year appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.