The tour guides in a group photo. - TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Tourism Development Department hosted a familiarisation trip for travel agents from major Chinese provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Chengdu, to promote Brunei as a top tourist destination in South-East Asia.
The agents explored Brunei’s attractions through site visits, activities and product inspections.
Highlights included tours of Temburong lodges such as The Abode Resort and Spa, Sumbiling Eco Village, AZ Back to Nature Campsite and Freme Rainforest Lodge, alongside activities like flying fox adventures, batik painting workshops and cultural dance performances.
They also experienced water sports and toured beach facilities at Serasa Beach, visited Gadong Night Market, the Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre and the Royal Regalia Museum.
A networking session facilitated connections between the Chinese agents and local travel operators to discuss potential collaborations and customised tour packages for the Chinese market.
Feedback was positive, with many expressing enthusiasm about promoting Brunei’s unique offerings to their clients.
The initiative reflects Brunei’s efforts to strengthen ties with China’s tourism sector. Chinese tourist arrivals in Brunei reached 29,740 by September, surpassing 2023’s total of 17,008, with growth expected to continue.
Since early 2024, the department has organised over 10 similar trips for agents from key markets including Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.
Plans for 2025 include participation in ITB China in Shanghai to boost Brunei’s visibility. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
