Answer for Oral Question PL093

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG ABDUL AZIZ BIN HAJI HAMDAN asks MENTERI SUMBER-SUMBER UTAMA DAN PELANCONGAN to state the steps being taken to expand the participation of youth, small-scale entrepreneurs and local communities in the domestic tourism value chain.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan

The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism places emphasis on efforts to expand the participation of youth, small-scale entrepreneurs and local communities in the domestic tourism value chain as part of a more inclusive tourism development approach.

This approach is implemented through several key strategies:

1. Capacity and skills development for youth in the tourism sector.
   The Ministry collaborates with various agencies and relevant institutions to provide training and skills certification pathways in tourism-related fields such as tour guiding, heritage storytelling, birdwatching and training for industry front-line personnel. This approach aims to produce a skilled young workforce and young entrepreneurs capable of developing tourism products based on authentic national experiences.

2. Development of niche tourism products led by local entrepreneurs.
   The Ministry also encourages the development of unique, community-based tourism products such as Brunei Coffee Trail, which showcases local cafés as part of the urban tourism experience. This initiative not only introduces local products to visitors, but also creates opportunities for micro-enterprises and youth to become directly involved in the tourism industry.

3. Strengthening entrepreneurship and industry networks
   Programmes such as Tourism Service Providers Entrepreneurship are implemented to enhance the capabilities of small-scale entrepreneurs in terms of business governance, financial management and product branding strategies. In addition, business matching and industry networking sessions are held to connect local entrepreneurs with hotel networks, travel agents and larger industry players.

4. Expanding market access through digital platforms
   To increase the visibility of small-scale entrepreneurs and local communities, the Ministry has provided the online tourism directory Explore Brunei, which brings together more than 700 tourism products and activities, thereby making it easier for visitors to obtain information on tourism experiences offered by local entrepreneurs.

5. Community-based tourism and agro-tourism development
   Through the Community-Based Tourism approach, the Ministry collaborates with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Village Consultative Councils to develop local tourism products such as farm visits, pick-your-own activities, traditional food demonstrations and farm-to-table experiences. This approach helps ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are directly enjoyed by local communities.

In addition, the organisation of Visit Brunei Year 2027 (Visit Brunei Year 2027) is a significant initiative held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Through the organisation of this grand event, the Ministry is committed to encouraging more proactive youth participation in various tourism activities. This step aims to create greater opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and local communities to participate in the domestic tourism value chain, thereby strengthening the national economy in an inclusive manner.

Through this integrated approach, the Ministry intends to continue expanding the participation of youth, small-scale entrepreneurs and local communities in the domestic tourism value chain, while ensuring that the country’s tourism sector develops in a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable manner.