| James Kon |
XIAMEN, a city in Fujian province, China, is hoping to establish direct air links with Brunei Darussalam to increase tourist arrivals in both countries, said a senior official from the city.
Zhong Hai Lin, Deputy Director-General of Xiamen Municipal Tourism Development Commission, said he submitted a proposal in this regard to the Tourism Development Department under Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, during a meeting yesterday.
“People in Xiamen do not have much idea about Brunei Darussalam. A direct flight between Xiamen and Brunei will definitely help boost tourism in both countries,” said Zhong Hai Lin, who is in Brunei in connection with a cultural tourism marketing event to promote Xiamen which is currently underway at the Parkview Hotel, while speaking to the media.
The Xiamen delegation arrived on a cruise liner that docked in Brunei for a day. The ship Costa neoRomantica carries some 1,800 passengers and more than 1,000 crew.
“This is the second ship that docked in Brunei. The first arrived on March 8, 2018. The tickets for these cruise liners were selling like hotcakes in Xiamen, demonstrating Chinese people’s interest in travelling to this part of Asean, including Brunei Darussalam,” Zhong Hai Lin noted.
“Upon arrival in Brunei we experienced the warm hospitality of Bruneians and saw the prosperity of the country. Both Brunei and Xiamen attach great importance to maritime culture and have maintained close contacts with each other.”
“Brunei has made vigorous efforts to develop its tourism industry. It has rich and unique tourism resources which can attract tourists from all over the world. With frequent cultural exchanges and closer tourism interaction between the two countries, more Chinese tourists can be attracted to Brunei, and vice versa,” the Chinese official said.
Xiamen, he explained, “is one of the most dynamic special economic zones in China. It was hailed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a high quality city of innovation and entrepreneurship. Last year, Xiamen received 78.3052 million tourists and gained RMB116.852 million of income.”
Besides the world-famous heritage site Kulangsu, Xiamen has beautiful beaches, fishing villages, delicious food and distinctive folk customs for tourists to enjoy.
Present at yesterday’s event were members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB and Brunei Hokkien Association as well as representatives of leading travel agencies and hotels.
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