Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ The Brunei government is actively exploring several innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s tourism sector, including the establishment of a dedicated cultural village, ecotourism ventures, and agritourism opportunities. These initiatives are part of Brunei’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings, promote sustainability, and strengthen the economy through local entrepreneurship. One of the most exciting proposals under consideration is the creation of a cultural village to highlight the rich heritage of Brunei’s seven indigenous ethnic groups.
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This cultural hub would provide both locals and international visitors with a central location to experience the country’s diverse cultural traditions, without the need for extensive travel to different parts of the nation. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the relevant ministries, with officials evaluating suitable locations for the project. Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, addressed the initiative during the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting, where he responded to queries from appointed members. He emphasized the government’s commitment to further strengthening Brunei’s cultural tourism offerings.
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In addition to the cultural village initiative, the Brunei government is also focused on improving the overall tourism infrastructure. Four working committees have been established to streamline the tourism sector, with a particular focus on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, manpower, and product offerings. These committees will work in collaboration with key agencies such as the Immigration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, district offices, and various stakeholders in the hospitality industry to ensure a seamless experience for visitors from their arrival to departure. As part of its infrastructure development, Brunei has earmarked two significant projects under the National Development Plan to enhance tourism facilities. Although these projects face budget constraints, the government intends to seek additional funding to implement them within the year, further boosting the nation’s tourism capacity.
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Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism is also leveraging the power of media and international film productions to raise the country’s profile as a top tourist destination. Furthermore, past collaborations with global productions such as Law of the Jungle (2015), Battle Trip (2017), Asadal Chronicles (2018), and Top Gear (2018) have also been instrumental in attracting an influx of tourists, particularly from South Korea. Notably, between 2015 and 2019, these efforts resulted in a 53 percent increase in Korean tourist arrivals. Recent partnerships with Indonesia’s Indosiar network have also further highlighted Brunei’s Ramadan experiences, aligning with the country’s Islamic tourism promotion.
In the realm of ecotourism, Brunei has been making strides with several research initiatives, including scientific exhibitions and expeditions. Notable events like the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Biodiversity and the Taxon Expedition, in collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), underscore the country’s commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity. Brunei is also nominating several of its recreational parks for inclusion in the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation. A significant upcoming event is the Forest to Reef Expedition at MYCE 2025, which will feature prominent wildlife experts and YouTube content creators, offering an international platform to promote Brunei’s ecotourism offerings.
Agritourism is another area gaining attention in Brunei’s strategy for tourism diversification. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism is working closely with local farmers to educate them on sustainable tourism models, while promoting agricultural products and experiences as part of the country’s tourism offerings. Additionally, local handicrafts and agri-food experiences are being integrated into tourism activities, with retail spaces dedicated to these products at the Kampong Ayer Cultural Tourism Gallery and Muara Cruise Ship Terminal.
The government is also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in agriculture through initiatives such as the Pioneer Scheme, which allows businesses to expand their land allocations from two to four hectares. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to address post-harvest losses through the introduction of mobile cold storage units, providing a long-term solution for preserving perishable agricultural goods. These combined efforts signal Brunei’s determination to position itself as a sustainable and diverse travel destination in the region. Through the promotion of cultural heritage, ecotourism, and agritourism, the country aims to not only boost its tourism industry but also create economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and communities.
