Participants at a field-based learning session at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Botanical Research Centre. - Tourism Development Department via BB/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Acting Director of Tourism Development Salinah Salleh emphasised the importance of developing a tourism sector that is not only economically viable but also inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
She said, “In recent years, nature tourism has emerged as more than just a travel trend, it is a growing movement reflecting our shared responsibility to protect the natural environment while creating meaningful visitor experiences.”
Salinah said this addressing 30 participants comprising tourism service providers, travel agents and tour guides who completed a two-day capacity building workshop titled ‘Enhancing Value Through Nature Tourism: Designing sustainable Tourism Products’ organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Tourism Development Department.
The initiative highlights Brunei’s commitment to fostering tourism that is environmentally responsible, community driven and aligned with the principles of sustainability.
The workshop was facilitated by trainers from the Institute for Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Sabah who shared their experience in biodiversity and eco-tourism.
The trainers have also contributed to programmes and activities supporting nature-based tourism products.
A key component of the workshop was a field-based learning session at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Botanical Research Centre where the participants engaged directly with the natural environment to listen, observe and learn to create tourism product offerings that are authentic and value-driven.
The workshop aimed at equipping the participants with practical tools, insights and field-based experiences to develop tourism products that deliver value not just in economic terms but also contribute to long-term sustainability conservation and community wellbeing. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
