Answer to Oral Question PL194

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH SAFIAH BINTI SHEIKH HAJI ABD. SALAM asks the MINISTER OF PRIMARY RESOURCES AND TOURISM to state, taking into account the significance of the years 2026–2027 in the country's history, whether the Ministry has any plans to make them a catalyst for the transformation of national tourism? By introducing it as “Visit Brunei Year”, how will the ministry ensure early planning and the allocation of resources and finances are available for programmes, including a competition to create a marketing jingle/slogan to strengthen Brunei’s brand as an exclusive, sustainable and cultured tourism destination?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan

The answer to the question regarding the ministry's planning to strengthen the national tourism industry has already been answered by kaola when responding to question PL 275 raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal, which is interrelated and carries the same narrative.

The Ministry views the years 2026–2027 as an important and historic period for the country, in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebration and the Diamond Jubilee of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia. In this regard, the Ministry is formulating an integrated plan to make this period a catalyst for the transformation of the national tourism sector.

There are several impactful initiatives currently being considered by the Tourism Development Department. These initiatives will serve as a strategic platform to:

• Strengthen Brunei’s brand as an exclusive, sustainable and highly cultured tourism destination;
• Highlight the national identity and the country’s achievements;
• Drive domestic and international tourism in an inclusive and sustainable manner.

In implementing tourism development initiatives, actions have been arranged in a complementary manner, focusing on:

• Early planning and coordination among agencies through steering and technical committees;
• The implementation of programmes as suggested by Yang Berhormat such as a national jingle/slogan competition, the development of bundled domestic tourism packages, and the involvement of MSMEs as well as grassroots communities;
• The implementation of major events such as Brunei December Festival, Brunei Gastronomy Festival, and MYCE to stimulate the local economy;
• Cooperation with industry partners at home and abroad, including tourism agencies, airlines, media, and influencers.

The Ministry also assists operators by providing free promotional platforms in various forms, including in print media, digital media, and fam trips, not only for agents but also throughout the tourism value chain.

This approach is in line with the whole-of-nation principle and the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, namely to ensure that the benefits of tourism not only drive economic growth and employment opportunities, but also strengthen social unity and national pride.

With careful planning and strong support from all parties, tourism development initiatives will not only become a catalyst for the transformation of the tourism sector, but will also function as a strategic platform to highlight the achievements and progress of various sectors in this country. It is also a golden opportunity to harness economic potential through various programmes such as the sale of local souvenirs, the organisation of large-scale events, and other commercial activities that can contribute to the growth of local enterprises as well as national pride.