BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam’s tourism sector continues to show promising signs of recovery, with 28,714 visitors from China recorded as of August 2025 — making China the sultanate’s second-largest source market, accounting for 15.5 per cent of total air arrivals.
Most Chinese visitors travelled to Brunei for holidays, business, or to visit friends and relatives, reflecting renewed travel confidence and strengthened bilateral connectivity between both nations.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Hajah Tutiaty Abdul Wahab highlighted the growing importance of the Chinese market during her remarks as guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Hybrid Workshop on Chinese Language and Capacity Building for Asean Member States’ Tourism Professionals at Laksamana College of Business on Thursday (Oct 9).
She noted that the recent visa waiver for Chinese nationals, implemented in March this year allowing stays of up to 14 days, has further enhanced Brunei’s accessibility and deepened bilateral ties, paving the way for greater cultural and economic exchanges.
The Permanent Secretary also shared that Brunei’s cruise sector is showing encouraging progress, with Muara Port welcoming major cruise liners such as the Zhao Shang Yi Dun–Viking Sun and the luxury vessel MV Mediterranea, which has made two visits bringing thousands of passengers.
Looking ahead, Brunei anticipates more cruise ship arrivals from China, further reinforcing the Sultanate’s position as an emerging destination in the regional cruise market.
She added that Royal Brunei Airlines’ direct flights from Nanning and Hangzhou, along with regular connections to Beijing and Hong Kong, continue to strengthen Brunei’s air links with the People’s Republic of China and support the growing travel demand from this key market.
The workshop aims to equip tourism professionals with basic Chinese language skills, cross-cultural communication competencies, and enhanced service capacity to meet the expectations of Chinese tourists while fostering greater regional collaboration among Asean stakeholders.
Also present at the ceremony were Secretary-General of the Asean-China Centre Shi Zhongjun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo, diplomats, and representatives from Asean member states. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
