National park to be upgraded to luxury resort

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin. - BB

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): The accommodation complex in Ulu Temburong National Park is being upgraded to become a luxury resort, which a leading international hotel chain will manage.

The implementation will raise the image and attractiveness of the park as one of the main tourist destinations in Brunei Darussalam.

This was said by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin in his welcoming remarks at the 19th Legislative Council meeting on Tuesday (March 14).

“The effort is made by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) with cooperation from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) through the involvement of Sundaland Resorts Pte Ltd, a company registered in the country by Mandai Global Pte Ltd, Singapore (a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings),” he said.

The minister also said that with the easing of Covid-19 control measures last year, the number of tourist arrivals to the Sultanate increased from 3,543 tourists in 2021 to 35,701 tourists in 2022.

To support the growth of the tourism industry, the ministry, through the Tourism Development Department, will beef up efforts to develop and promote tourism products based on culture, adventure and nature.

The ministry will also ensure that facilities, infrastructure and tourist services will continue to be improved, while promoting domestic tourism through programmes such as Kenali Negara Kitani, Brunei December Festival and Local Product Expo to encourage residents to go on vacation and spend locally, especially during school term holidays, to stimulate economic activity.

Dr Abdul Manaf also said that under the National Development Plan (RKN), in supporting the growth and development of the tourism industry, some BND0.58 million has been provided to strengthen tourism products.

However, the implementation of infrastructure and tourism facility development project will not rely solely on government funding but also more efficient means, such as the public private partnership (PPP).