BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Australian High Commission, in partnership with Brunei’s Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, hosted military historian, Professor Garth Pratten, for a sharing session on the untapped potential of heritage tourism in Brunei.
The session brought together tour operators and licensed tourist guides to explore how Australia and Brunei’s historical connections can be thoughtfully leveraged to develop specialised heritage travel packages tailored for the Australian market.
This month marks the 81st anniversary of Operation Oboe, during which Australian forces, supported by the United States Navy and Air Force, conducted amphibious landings to liberate Brunei and Labuan.
The Borneo landings were Australia’s last major campaign of World War Two, and the largest amphibious operation ever undertaken by Australia. This shared history was acknowledged during the April 14, 2026 visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP to the Brunei-Australia Memorial, accompanied by Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Major General (Rtd) Datuk Paduka Seri Halbi Mohd Yussof.
Professor Pratten’s presentation showed how shared history presents an opportunity to develop heritage tourism offerings that emphasise storytelling, education and cultural understanding.
The workshop reflected Australia’s commitment to supporting Brunei’s priority diversification sectors, like tourism, under Brunei Vision 2035, in a manner that honours Australia and Brunei’s shared history. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
