Brunei Tourism goes big in China

By Hakim Hayat in Nanning, Guangxi, China

Brunei Darussalam has marketed itself very well to the China consumers as more awareness on Brunei gets infused to targeted markets of holidaymakers through mediums such as social media, TV and magazines. It has proven to be a success as Brunei sees the prospect of an increase in Chinese tourist arrivals this year. Brunei is also marketing itself as a high-end tourist destination, emphasising on its Royal Heritage and legendary customs, which garnered much amusement from the China market.

The Brunei Tourism Board has also set KPI (Key Performance Indicator) targets for its tourism marketing representative offices in China, instituting a competitive edge for each office to perform well and reach their specific targets in attracting more tourists from China.

Speaking to the Bulletin yesterday was Salinah Salleh, Tourism Officer for Promotions and Marketing at the Brunei Tourism Board, who is in charge of the Brunei City of Charm Pavilion at the 8th China-Asean Expo and Raymond Kong from Beijing Longway, who is the Deputy Chief Representative of the Brunei Tourism Representative Office in China.

According to Salinah, "Tourist arrivals from China is up by 75 per cent from January to February this year as compared to the same period last year. Overall, the tourist arrivals from the China market between 2009 and 2010 are up by 56 per cent."

The Bulletin asked Raymond to share their marketing methods and strategies to attract more visitors to Brunei, to which he responded, "We are more focused on the leisure group and the MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) grouping in the China market. But our main focus is on the leisure groups."

Salinah mentioned that Brunei Tourism Board in the past has been participating in exhibitions, seminars and roadshows on travel in many parts of China and Hong Kong but the problem is they only come once during the expo and there are no proper follow up agents. "Whereas now, ever since we appointed Beijing Longway, our tourism marketing representative here in March, they are now the faces of Brunei Tourism. If the people here have queries and want to know more about Brunei, our representatives will be of great help," said Salinah.

She also revealed that the Beijing Longway also represents Royal Brunei Airlines and The Empire Hotel and Country Club. "This is the only way. They have a firm grip of Brunei as a market so they can help promote it better, because in China, we need a Chinese-speaking person and for their part, they are one of the biggest travel companies in China," she added.

Raymond said that their efforts are bearing fruit now as more people in China know about Brunei. "It is coming through and going forward," he said.

Salinah said in terms of volume, it will, for sure take time to get a significant influx of Chinese tourists into Brunei and it will not happen in just a short period of time. "For now, I think they have done quite a good job in raising the awareness."

Raymond also revealed that they are using social media as an effective platform in promoting Brunei Tourism in China. "Webo is a popular social network website based in China and works on the same platform similar to Twitter and Facebook. It is a very powerful social media tool now and people like to 'follow' each other's news feeds in order to be alert of the latest happenings and issues going around here," he said.

On the Brunei Tourism Webo site, Raymond said people can get the latest news on Brunei Tourism and also the latest information on Brunei. "For instance, we can transfer topics on China superstars on Webo that they are coming to Brunei for a visit. This has generated a lot of attention."

They are also on the look out for celebrities from China to come to Brunei to do their filming. "We will have one coming soon, where a a movie will be shot in Brunei, featuring a top celebrity from China," he added.

The largest TV network in China, CCTV will be in Brunei next month for a familiarisation film shooting and once ready, it will reach to millions of TV viewers in China. "This will allow more exposure on Brunei to China and the viewers will have an idea and feel on what it is like to visit Brunei. From this exposure, we hope to attract more tourists and get more TV stations to go to Brunei to film their documentaries or shoot their films there," Raymond revealed.

Raymond also mentioned that their marketing strategy is not only limited to tourism as they are also constantly on the look out for trade partnerships from China to Brunei. "There is a big potential for the industry, we are looking out for trade partnerships in the media, industries and commercial businesses as well."

Raymond commented that travelling to Brunei may not come cheap. "We always tell them that Brunei is not a cheap travel destination and is considered as high-end, so we are constantly looking at a niche market of high-end holidaymakers and people looking for a reasonable priced trip."

Salinah said Brunei is not exactly a mass tourist destination and they are not targeting millions of arrivals annually and they are not competing with other countries in the region. "We are on the look out for the niche market, a market segment who travel the world and wants to see something different."

The Royal Heritage of Brunei is also the main attraction making the Chinese market more interested in visiting the country and this is the main image that they would like to unleash. "Unlike other countries, Brunei still preserves this majestic heritage. Brunei might be a simple destination but royalties are such a fascination to the Chinese because it links to their legendary dynasties and empires way back," Raymond said.

A Brunei Tourism Official Website dedicated to the China market has also been actively implemented in China, according to Raymond. Bruneitourism.com.cn is also linked to the main website in Brunei. The website, in Chinese language, is also updated constantly, publishing latest news and promotions on Brunei Tourism.

"Having four representative offices here in China at Shanghai, Shenzen, Beijing and Nanning and with television, magazines and newspapers featuring advertisements about Brunei Tourism, we are all out here now," Raymond said.

Salinah said the expansion reach of the company in China has led them to select Beijing Longway as their representative office. "They have KPIs to reach a specific target and have all the collaterals, brochures, information and equipped with everything the people here need to know about Brunei and how to get about here," she said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Falling in love with Brunei's landmarks

An Asean meeting on social issues and services, including housing, sent Darlene Marie B Berberabe, chief honcho of the Philippines' premier housing fund institution, to Bandar Seri Begawan last week.

Darlene's yearning for Brunei food prompted Brunei Pag-ibig Representative Arlina D Feliciano to bring her to the sultanate's showcase of Malay cuisine, Terindak D'Seni Restaurant and Cafe, on Jalan Residency, Brunei's oldest street.

"I'm sold on the view alone," said Darlene, looking at the panoramic view across the Brunei river of the rows of stilt houses standing in the centuries-old Water Village, of which Italian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta wrote, in the first detailed European description of Brunei in the 16th century: "The city is entirely built in salt water, except the houses of the king and certain chiefs.''

Today, the Brunei government is mulling the building of 420 low-rise, vertical housing units in a 47-hectare site near the Lambak Kanan mosques for its citizens.

In 1952, Kampong Ayer villagers moved to Kampong Bunut in Mukim Kilanas under the government's first national housing resettlement programme.

In 1906, when Jalan Residency was opened and named after the first British Resident's house, the 12-roofed Bubungan Dua Belas, the government encouraged Bruneians to move into dry land and build their houses away from the water.

Jalan Residency, where the jetty going to Temburong is located, leads to the Arts and Handicrafts Centre, a $22 million, 10-storey Malay style building opened in 1984, to train locals in making handicraft like traditionally woven sarong, using gold thread called jong sarat, used for centuries for royal ceremonies, hand-made silverware and ornaments, the snake-like dagger called keris, traditional bronze castings giant decorative wooden spinning tops, colourful cover dishes made of plaited leaves, and native baskets, on display and for sale.

Very near the centre's location was a factory producing cutch, a brownish red, sticky substance used to dye nets and sails, colour clothes khaki and tan leather. Mangrove trees growing along the riverbank were cut for its barks, which were crushed and boiled to make cutch, which were exported as hard blocks or balls, to Britain, US, China and Japan.

After commercial oil was found in 1928 and oil revenue gushed into Brunei in the late 1930's, the water community became officially known as Kampong Ayer and the capital on land as Brunei Town.

Tucked behind the Arts and Handicrafts Centre is the two-storey Terindak Café and Restaurant, offering the best in Brunei cuisine since 2009. Melanaus, the people of the river and Sarawak's earliest settlers, wear the terindak, the conical sun hat stitched from nipa leaves and reinforced on the outside with bamboo strips. A mini version used as a food cover is called tudung dulang in Brunei.

Pulau Terindak was an enclave in 12th century Brunei, 200 years before the era of Brunei's first sultan. Located beside Kampong Ayer in Kota Batu, blue and white plates, and jarlets mostly from China during the Ming dynasty were dug up in the 250 sq-m man-made island elevated 3.64 metres from the sea level.

Darlene Berberabe is a University of the Philippines-educated lawyer who gave up a promotion in Singapore for a multinational firm to be the chief operating officer of the Philippine government's Pag-ibig Fund, a shelter agency which channels savings for housing financing needs.

Pag-ibig, (meaning love in the Filipino language), is an acronym for helping each other for the future: you, the bank, industry and the government. It is symbolised by the bayanihan spirit, the Filipino version of gotong-royong: a house literally carried by several persons to be transplanted to a permanent site.

The Philippine government housing agencies aims to provide 1.5 million houses for its informal settlers and poor dwellers in 2016. From January to July 2011, 1.2 million Filipino Pag-Ibig members benefited from multipurpose loans, mostly for school-related expenses and tuition fees during the month of May.

After lunch, the Manila visitors motored to the largest and most magnificent mosque in Brunei, the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kiarong. Known as the Kiarong Mosque) it covers 20 acres.

Darlene and her inseparable classmate since Primary 2, and now Chief of Staff, Nanette Abilay, who celebrated her birthday in Brunei, were awed by the mosque's 29 marble domes and 29 white marble steps, the symbols of His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah as the 29th ruler of the 600-year-old Bolkiah dynasty, one of the world's oldest ruling monarchies. Before the house of worship's large, gold-topped domes, striking mosaic patterns, manicured landscaping and gushing fountains, the visitors had their pictures taken for posterity.

On the way to Brunei's first green building, the Philippine Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave, stand the infrastructure landmarks "the country's pride", architect Edgardo Feliciano, working with Architect Abdullah Ahmad, helped erect during his 16 years' stay here: Magistrate's Court Building, Mabohai Condominium Apartments, RIPAS Outpatient Department, Kiulap Commercial Complex, and Pusat Da'wah Islamiah, the New Convert's Hostel.

Having experienced the comforts of the opulent Empire Hotel in Jerudong, viewed the historic Water Village and tasted the hospitality of Terindak the self-described Manila visitor said: "I'm single, available and willing to relocate in Brunei."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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Sabah Travel Fair in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam recorded top place in terms of international visitor arrivals to Sabah last year with an overall count of 109,141 visitors, averaging 299 visitors per day, and is well positioned to set a new record this year if the current rate continues.

As of the first eight months in 2011, 63,165 new and returning Bruneian visitors made up a huge portion of international travellers, indicating an 11.2 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2010.

The rapid growth of travellers could escalate in the near future given that Sabah will continue to enhance the image and outlook of tourism in the country with new hotel launches, travel packages, new products, exciting destinations not limited to Kota Kinabalu but encompassing other areas such as Sandakan and Tawau.

Sabah has long been admired as a popular holiday destination for independent travelers, most commonly in Kota Kinabalu. "Basically, the main purpose of the exhibition is to update on new products and new packages including promoting hoteliers and other management and services and evidence also suggests that the increasing number of visitors comes from independent travellers. This makes it easier to directly reach out to our target consumers," Zarinah Hj Amiludin, Marketing Manager of Sabah Tourism Board told the Bulletin in an interview during the first day of the 5th Sabah Travel Fair at the Mall yesterday.

Novotel, an internationally-recognised hotel brand with countless number of hotels in the United Kingdom is offering a promotional rate of B$80, which translates to RM192.

With reference to the current exchange rate, that amount equates to 39 pounds sterling, which is far cheaper than any hotel in Central England and more than half the price off in most of the hotels in the Central London District.

A representative confirmed that this promotional rate will only last for three days and will end on Sunday when the fair ends.

"Hoteliers and tour operators will offer special packages to Bruneians especially targeting customers during the school holidays," Zarinah said, outlining the purposes of the main fair in addition to updating the new launches of hotels in Sabah.

Sabah is also a popular destination for meetings and cultural performances could also be arranged to entertain delegation members upon request, said Zarinah.

She said that main attractions will not only be based in Kota Kinabalu and encouraged groups of independent travellers and families 'to experience and explore nature' in nearby places and discover Sabah as a whole.

Customers started to flock the Sabah Travel Fair, which began yesterday and will be launched today, to inquire on the availability of accommodation as the end-of-year school holidays are coming by.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Bandar Seri Begawan - Borneo bling

Discover BSB, the capital of tiny, shiny, secretive Brunei.

FULL disclosure: as a northern hemisphere relic until well into this century, I had no clue where Brunei was.

I thought that the oil-rich sultanate blessed with swathes of pristine rainforest stood somewhere in the Persian Gulf – next to Oman, say.

Brunei actually lurks on Borneo’s northwestern coast, bizarrely sandwiched between two slabs of Sarawak. Apparently landed from space, Brunei is the last stand of an empire that once spanned all Borneo and the southwest Philippines. Now one of the world’s smallest countries, Brunei (“abode of peace”) has just 400,000 inhabitants.

The heart of the exclusive corner of Borneo is the palm tree-lined capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which swallows up most of the population, hosting 280,000 people.

If you cannot remember the capital’s name, just use the abbreviation, BSB, which aptly echoes an Aussie finance term meaning “Bank/State/Branch”.

At the heart of BSB stands a dazzling Taj Mahal-like monument: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. The landmark merrily mixes Italian styles and Mughal architecture, and matches slender minarets with bulbous domes.

Built in honour of said Sultan, the mosque owes its existence to 20th-century Lombardy virtuoso Rodolfo Nolli. The sculptor and architect was hot at his job. So hot that he won the title Cavaliere (knight). Nolli the knight must have loved himself when the great mosque fully materialised in 1958.

Embedded in an artificial lagoon, Nolli’s creation soars 52m into the sky. Visible throughout BSB, the mosque boasts marble minarets, golden domes and, well, bling.

The most striking feature, the main dome, is coated with pure gold that presumably comes from an exotic source because much of the mosque’s material has an overseas origin.

The marble from Italy, the granite from Shanghai, the crystal chandeliers from England (which ruled the country until 1984) and the carpets from Saudi Arabia. The splashy spiritual icon’s courtyards are surrounded by a lush, fountain-dotted garden that symbolises paradise.

An arching staircase leading from paradise takes you to a bizarre concrete replica of a 16th-century royal barge. The barge, which stages Quran-reading contests, surreally seems to float like a lily on the lagoon.

Across the water, the skeletal shape of Kampung Ayer (“water village”) catches the eye. Besides homes for its 30,000 inhabitants, Kampong Ayer has mosques, restaurants, shops, schools, and a hospital – all woven together by 36km of boardwalk and community spirit reminiscent of a Sarawak longhouse.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Bandar Seri Begawan - Borneo bling
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Discover Borneo through Brunei, Borneo's Peaceful Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures

The oil rich Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, the Abode of Peace) is an aptly named little known gem of a destination, nestled on the northern shores of the huge island of Borneo, which it once ruled in its entirety in centuries past, along with parts of the southern Philippines.

As a result of numerous colonial intrusions in the past from the Spanish, Dutch and British, present day independent Brunei now covers only 5,765 km2, or less than 1% of Borneo's landmass, and is bordered on all sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and by the South China Sea.

Fortunately for Brunei, vast reserves of oil and gas have been discovered on and off shore, turning Brunei into one of the world's wealthiest countries on a per capita basis.

Today, this enchanting kingdom, ruled by a beloved and benevolent Sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, considered the world's wealthiest monarch and descending from an unbroken royal lineage dating back to the early 15th century, provides generously for the welfare of its 400 thousand inhabitants, exempting them from personal income taxes and providing them with virtually free universal education and medical care, among many other ways to share the nation's wealth for the betterment of the population and the country in general.

With over two thirds of the population professing the Islamic faith, Brunei is ruled according to the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy, with most people practicing a pious but tolerant brand of Islam, which encompasses as well respect and attachment for the age old Malay traditions and culture and reverence for the monarchy and its members.

Often wrongly perceived as a strict and boring place, Brunei in fact has much to go for it. Tourists who can go for a few days without a drink or gambling will find no more restrictions to their enjoyment than in neighboring countries, as long as they respect Brunei's cultural and religious traditions.

Brunei of course does not pretend to become the next Bali or Phuket. Its strengths lie elsewhere, although there is also plenty of sea, sun and clean, wholesome family fun for those looking for it.

Brunei's strong points are rather found in its natural and cultural assets: the vast stretches of virgin tropical rainforests covering over 70% of the land, and its rich Malay culture, traditions and colorful history dating back centuries and reading like the pages of an adventure epic, replete with tales of sultans, princesses, pirates, headhunters and swashbuckling European adventurers.

Despite all this, few tourists as yet can be seen around Brunei, prompting many in the know to call Brunei "Asia's best kept secret". Even now that tourism promotion and development are firmly on the agenda for the future diversification of the oil dependent economy, Brunei is likely to remain a destination for discerning, experienced travelers in quest of an untouched and seldom visited new place to discover.

This little slice of paradise is packed with a variety of easy to reach attractions, such as the tiny capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, probably South East Asia's loveliest capital, a green, airy and well maintained garden city free of the crowds, traffic jams, pollution, noise and trepidation found in the region's other capitals.

Bandar Seri Begawan, often simply referred to as Bandar or BSB, boasts of the world's largest water village, Kampong Ayer, where over 20 thousand people still live in wooden houses on stilts, linked by water taxis to the mainland and combining an age old traditional lifestyle with the amenities provided by the modern age and the wealth of the country.

Overlooking Kampong Ayer is one of the region's architectural wonders, the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, built in 1958 by Brunei's previous ruler, which is a sight to behold, especially at dusk when the fading sunlight plays with the soft toned illuminations of the dome and minarets and the call to prayer reverberates across the water village and the downtown area.

Further down by the river seats the impressive Istana Nurul Imam - the Sultan's palace and the world's biggest residential palace with 1,788 rooms, complete with horse stables, polo field and a private heliport, which opens to citizens and visitors alike only once a year during the celebrations marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Discover Borneo through Brunei, Borneo's Peaceful Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures

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Sarawak proposes tourism packages with Brunei

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sarawak has much to gain by collaborating with Brunei to develop common tourism packages.

This is because besides having it own places of attraction, the sultanate has a wider reach to world markets due to its well-developed air connectivity and potential to be an international destination hub.

And with Sarawak’s and Sabah’s natural attractions, the region can be an attractive destination for water sports, cultural festivals and eco-tourism, said Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

“We have the Brunei Bay, connecting some parts of Limbang and Lawas.

“If we have water sports and plan it properly, it can be an interesting project,” he said in Gadong, Brunei before leading a Sarawak delegation to extend an official invitation to His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to grace the historical 104-year old Baram Regatta in Marudi on Sept 30 to Oct 2 this year.

He believed that such collaboration would also bring people from the three regions closer together.

The delegation included High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Datuk Abdullah Sani Omar, Assistant Minister of Land Development who is Baram Regatta 2011 organising chairman Sylvester Entri and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak proposes tourism packages with Brunei

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'Unforgettable' for the tourists in Brunei

By Achong Tanjong

Foreign tourists make use of the golden opportunity to visit Brunei Darussalam during the Hari Raya celebration each year by joining the local community in visiting the palace - Istana Nurul Iman - to convey festive greetings to His Majesty and Her Majesty and members of the royal family.

An opportunity for them to shake hands and take a closer look at the palace, as well as the beloved monarch and members of the royal family.

A group of 30 visiting tourists from Vietnam led by Mr Chinh also visited the Royal Open House on its final day yesterday.

When asked how long they were going to stay in Brunei, he said they would be flying back to Vietnam today.

"The Royal Open House is part of our itinerary during the visit and we are lucky to be able to visit the palace and meet the Sultan and other members of the royal family," he said.

"This is going to be an unforgettable experience for us," he added.

"I have been visiting the palace every year since 2000, when my son started working in Brunei," said Mrs Norliey who hails from Kuching, Sarawak.

"My son would contact us in Kuching, when it is time for the Istana Open House in Brunei. It was a long journey by bus from Kuching to Miri. From Miri, my son picked us up to Brunei," she said.

Also joining the long queue at the palace yesterday was a group of senior officers and staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs, including Penghulus and village heads, as well as village consultative councils from the four districts.

The councils were led by their district officers. They organise the visit every year to convey their festive greetings to the monarch and the royal family.

They comprise 137 people, including officers and staff from the Tutong District Office. One of the council members from Kg Subok, Awg Ang Swee Chuan, said each year he and other council members from other districts would visit the palace to convey festive greetings to His Majesty and the royal family.

He said we are lucky to live in harmony in Brunei Darussalam, wherein the Malays and Chinese communities work together towards better economic growth. He also expressed his happiness and extended his festive greetings to all Muslim friends in Brunei.

Visitors were treated to a wide variety of food and drinks. One of the hit items brought home by visitors was the special yellow box (souvenir).

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Brunei's corals relatively healthy

By Azaraimy HH

The authority realises the need for further action in conserving the coral reefs in Brunei's waters and is in the process of acquiring a new scientific vessel for diving expedition and research.

There is also plan to enact rules and regulation for diving operators to better manage and conserve coral sites, said Desimawati Hj Metali, officer from the Marine Eco-System Section, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

According to Dr Gregor Hodgson, Executive Director of a non-profit organisation called Reef Check Foundation, in an interview said there are around 1,000 species of corals in the world and Brunei reefs host around 600 species. This is diversity unmatched by Hawaii, the Caribbean and Florida with only around 30 species. Brunei also boasts a great diversity in fish species.

Gregor said the biggest problem about the coral reef is that the lack of knowledge about them. Here in Brunei, people do not think about the coral much and more awareness would be better.

A recent scientific survey - first in the country - carried by a team of officers from Fisheries Department with the Reef Check Foundation done at Pelong Rock and Two Fathom Rock showed that the reefs' health condition is around 70 per cent, which is above the world average of around 30-40 per cent.

Reef Check Foundation wants to add Brunei to its ongoing survey about the status of the world's reefs and is aiming to include the data about the Sultanate's reefs in its 2012 report, Dr Gregor Hodgson told the Bulletin.

However, Dr Gregor Hodgson said there is a clear sign of overfishing in those reefs.

The coral reefs here are hardly exploited compare to other countries, for example in the Philippines where corals are extracted to make ornaments and jewellery. In Brunei, Dr Gregor said the coral reefs remain diverse and it is important to preserve this.

He explained that not only could coral reefs benefit the tourism industry, but it can also benefit other areas including the medicines. For instance, the strongest anti-cancer ingredient is from coral sponges, he said. Some of the sea cucumber is used by the Chinese community for soup making. Some of the corals are semi-precious corals, which can be made into jewellery. Most of these corals in the Philippines and Indonesia have vanished in shallow waters.

Furthermore, coral reef is also an important part of the marine ecosystem, where the corals preserve the shores.

Desimawati Hj Metali, an officer from the Marine Eco-System Section, Fisheries Department said there is definitely a greater need in the country to promote awareness on the importance of coral reef to the ecosystem and the dilemma the reefs are currently facing the world over.

There are 10 other known reef location for diving sites in the country - Littledale Shoal, Rig Reef, Abana Rock, Hornet's Reef, Brunei patches, Victoria Patches, Ampa Patches, Porter Patch, Chearnley Shoals and Fairley Patches.

In an interview, Dr Gregor said the coral reefs in Brunei are lucky not to be affected too much from bleaching that had killed many coral reefs elsewhere. But the problem of global warning still haunts any coral reefs in the world.

This include the pollution by carbon dioxide which are mixing with the seawater and making the seawater more acidic, which then threatens the coral reefs.

The team from Fisheries Department and Reef Check Foundation will continue their survey at other reefs to collect data.

Brunei is currently not under the radar for coral reef divers as they usually go elsewhere in the region especially the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Desimawati Hj Metali said the coral reefs in the country show potentials to be developed into a tourism hotspot for divers.

"But whatever we are planning to do, we have to ensure that at the end, it will not destroy what we are trying to conserve," She said.

Talking about the recent survey in the interview, Dr Gregor said the recent survey was designed in such a way that it can be done by non-scientist. "It is a relatively simple survey but very information-rich," he said.

Therefore, government officials, including Desimawati also took part in the survey after completing training exercises.

He said during the survey, the current was around two knots, which was strong enough if one was not careful enough, "You are going to end up in Labuan," he said. He said it was necessary to put on a buoy out due to strong current so divers will know where they were when they surfaced.

"We also have plastic papers and pens that can be used underwater," he said.

"There are three types of survey we undertook. Once, we survey for the fish, another for the invertebrates (for example lobster and giant clams), and once for the coral at the bottom," he explained.

"And after these three surveys, that will tell us what is the condition of the coral reefs," he further explained.

He also noted that there were two women divers in the team, one is Desimawati who only have five days' experience in the open sea.

At the bottom, the surveyors then put out rulers made of flexible fibreglass which could stretch up to 100 metres and marked every single centimetre. They then surveyed for fish. The survey was five metres wide and up to five metres high like a giant tunnel and count all the fish, where some will be measured.

Some of the corals, like a 500-year-old table coral is an asexual living thing. "Whilst they feed on plankton at night time, they draw most of their energy from the sun, like a cross between an animal and a plant," Gregor told the Bulletin.

He said, "Some of the reefs are living coral and some have died. Therefore, we need to keep track of what coral died this year and we can tell how much have eroded. There is very little damage to the reef (under survey)".

"It was a very healthy reef; the only thing is that there was not a lot of big fish around, just a few big fish. We saw skipjack tuna fish ...," he told the paper.

"There is clearly overfishing here," he stated.

"We spent a lot of time, recording all the different types of corals, how many dead and living corals and counted the fishes," he further explained.

Source: Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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Australians told to explore Brunei's magical eco-tourism

By Azlan Othman in Melbourne, Australia

"Brunei is a wonderful place and has a warm relationship with Victoria. Brunei offers some magical opportunities in eco-tourism especially with its unspoilt pristine jungle compared to many other tourist destinations around the world.

"It becomes the Sultanate's principality and Australians are well known for their interests in eco-tourism. We hope Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) has a very successful fly in the sky for many years to come," said Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council and state member of Eastern Metropolitan region in a speech to senior government officials from Brunei Darussalam marking RBA's inaugural flight to Melbourne.

"We are always delighted to welcome a new airline to Victoria.

"We have better airports in Australia. Melbourne is clearly one of the most important gateways to Australia. Victoria is an important state for Australia particularly in food manufacturing which is of interest to Brunei and increasingly to tourism. One of the interesting aspects about tourism is Victoria has no natural wonders like some other states have.

"A lot has been said about our shopping and the Formula One Grand Prix which was held last week and many other sporting, convention programmes and cultural activities.

"We are very fortunate to bring many people to Australia through Melbourne. When we have another opportunity to bring another airline, Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) to Melbourne, RBA passengers find it convenient to go to Australia via Melbourne, as a gateway to Australia.

"We see opportunities for more Australians and more visitors from other parts of the world to Australia looking at RBA as an alternative to go and perhaps experience Brunei, which is a terrific opportunity. RBA is the 27th airline to come into Melbourne and effectively puts around another 120,000 international seats into Melbourne each year as RBA flies four times a week.

"I think it is going to be an effective and successful route for RBA and a bridge to many events perhaps like exports and trade opportunities and in working with the Brunei government, its agencies and companies particularly in Halal branding," he said.

"There are terrific markets out there for Australian food and beverage manufacturers to try and match in business through the export market. Certainly Halal endorsement is a very significant marketing tool worldwide. With us working to some extent with Malaysia and now with Brunei Darussalam to extend their Halal brand in food, it certainly gives a good opportunity," he added.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines service to Melbourne takes off, to fly four times weekly

By Azaraimy HH

Brunei Tourism's "Window on Brunei" initiative would benefit from the four-times weekly services to Melbourne, the CEO of Brunei Tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin told the Bulletin last night just prior to the inaugural Royal Brunei Airlines' (RBA) new Brunei-Melbourne route.

The newly launched BWN-MEL route operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on RBA's B777 aircraft flights BI53 and BI54.

RBA's inaugural flight to Melbourne departed Brunei International Airport at 10pm last night and was scheduled to arrive in Melbourne, Victoria today, at 7.55am in Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne. The return flight from Melbourne BI54 is scheduled to depart Tullamarine Airport today at 1.40pm and arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan on the same day, at 5.40pm.

Travelling aboard the maiden flight was a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources led by Dato Paduka Dr Hj Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Also among the delegates is the CEO of Brunei Tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin.

"The launching of Royal Brunei Airline's direct flight to Melbourne will strengthen the relationship between Australia and Brunei Darussalam - not just within tourism and trade but also in, hopefully, the education sector," RBA's Deputy Chairman, Mr Dermot Mannion said. "The recent years have seen an increase in Brunei students' interest to studying in Australia - this direct flight to Melbourne aims to make it easier for students and their families to travel. For passengers bound for London from Melbourne, we provide transit options in Brunei and Dubai."

The Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Mark Sawers congratulated Royal Brunei Airlines on the momentous occasion.

"This new service is certainly welcome news to travellers both as a direct stop or transit option," said Mr Sawers. "Not only tourists will enjoy the new link but students and business associates will find this direct flight option a very timely convenience."

Ms Josie Abdullah, the Australian Trade Commission's Manager for Brunei and East Malaysia, also travelled on the inaugural flight to facilitate business meetings for Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources officials and as well as the Brunei International Chamber of Commerce representatives.

"The Victorian Government, Tourism Victoria and a number of key allies in Australia have been very supportive in putting together a work and visit programme," she said.

Customers can book flights with RBA through travel agents, by visiting the RBA Melbourne office at Level 10, 45 William Street, Melbourne Victoria, 3000, Australia or by logging onto the RBA Website at www.bruneiair.com.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines inaugural flight to Melbourne tonight

The inaugural flight by Royal Brunei Airlines to Melbourne, Australia will commence tonight, March 29. Four flights per week are scheduled, according to a press release.

The additional services to Melbourne will further strengthen the people to people links between Brunei Darussalam and Australia in education and tourism while also providing a valuable opportunity to further strengthen business links between both countries.

The Australian High Commissioner, Mark Sawers, indicated that the additional flights would provide greater accessibility to students and prospective students from Brunei Darussalam intending to undertake educational studies in Melbourne.

The Australian High Commissioner further emphasised the opportunities to further strengthen business ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia by leveraging the existing strong business links between both countries to further develop new investment opportunities.

A delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources will be joining the inaugural flight as part of a working visit to Melbourne and Canberra. The delegation will be led by Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. Also joining the working visit are the Chairman and Executive Members of the Brunei International Chamber of Commerce. The Austrade Senior Business Manager, Josie Abdullah, will accompany the delegation on their working visit to facilitate dialogues with both government and the private sectors.

The Australian High Commission would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Brunei High Commission in Australia and the assistance of the Victorian Government, Tourism Victoria and Austrade Visits Team in supporting the working visit.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Brunei important market for Singapore tourism

By Tony Alabastro

"Brunei is an important market for Singapore. Last year, 54,000 Bruneians visited Singapore. With the school holidays coming soon, it's good to invite them and experience new things in 2011 like the Lion King, the ArtScience Museum, the integrated resorts, and new food and shopping outlets," said Singapore Tourism Board's outgoing Philippines and Brunei Area Director Lynelle Seow yesterday.

"We have the Formula One and for families, the Universal Studios. A lot has changed in two years. The children can come to the Singapore Zoo. There will be a river safari in 2012," said STB's incoming Philippines and Brunei Area Director Sherina Chan. Children can experience up-close encounters with the creatures of the wild and learn about conservation at the world-class wildlife park set in a lush tropical rainforest, she said.

The Philippine-based STB team arrived yesterday from Manila to meet airlines, travel agents and hotel people during a three-day tourism roadshow "to give an update on what's happening in Singapore", said Ramon Jose Gutierrez, STB Philippines-Brunei assistant manager.

"Yesterday (Tuesday), we met the Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines people. Tomorrow (Thursday), we will be meeting the travel agents to explain new developments and what to expect and enjoy more in Singapore," said STB Senior Tourism Business Executive Marie Aiza Soller, who has been in Brunei for the third time.

Universal Studios offers movie magic at Singapore's newest theme park, with rides, dinosaurs, a talking donkey, Lake Hollywood Spectacular show after sunset, fireworks and musical performances.

Genghis Khan: The Exhibition, about the legacy of one of the most powerful men of 13th century Mongolia, is on show at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands until April 10.

The Southeast Asian premier of the musical, The Lion King, will be at the Marina Bays Sands until May 31. This stage production of the classic film is still running on Broadway after 13 years and in London's West End after 11 years.

The world's first ArtScience Museum, with 21 gallery spaces for touring exhibits, boasts an iconic lotus-inspired design, and has exhibits from art and science to design and architecture, according to the Marina Bay Sands.

Linkin Park is set to be the headlining act on race day during the 4th 2011 Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, said Lynelle Seow. Early bird ticket sales started on March 3, for an event to be held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from Sept 23-25.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Tourism, travel capacity top meeting agenda for Brunei Legislative Council Meeting

By Hamidah Ismail

Issues and questions on the progress of several tourism projects were raised yesterday at the Legislative Council Meeting.

Among them were the Islamic Tourism Plan, development of tourist attractions at the Belalong National Park and Selirong Forest Recreation Park and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources' (MIPR) Tourism Master Plan raised by YB Dato Paduka Awg Hj Idris bin Hj Abas; and the development of Temburong District and Mukim Kuala Balai raised by Temburong District representative YB Awg Hj Sulaiman bin Hj Ahad and Belait District representative YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad, respectively.

YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Goh King Chin posed a question on the necessity of a plan to spend an estimated cost of B$150 million to expand the Brunei International Airport with respect to the number of tourists visiting the country.

"Last year, the media reported that about 190,000 to 200,000 tourists entered the country. But how many per cent of them are transit passengers?" asked YB Pehin Goh. "Do not use a 'parang' to slaughter a chicken, a knife is sufficient."

The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya answered: "Tourism is just one aspect considered for the expansion of the airport. But for economic development, other economical efforts and future requirements should be considered as well. Moreover, tourism has increased by 20 per cent over the past year and operational costs for this have been provided."

YB Pehin Goh nevertheless praised the Royal Brunei Airline's (RBA) code-sharing collaboration with China airlines Dragonair, as this will attract more tourists from China, Hongkong, Taipei, Japan and Korea. YB Pehin Goh also suggested that transit tourists holding the special fare tickets be obligated to spend a two-day stay in the country to increase business for local hotels and other businesses.

"Although the amount of money spent by these transit tourists here may be small, they are given the chance to tour the city while waiting for their flight, and this in turn will attract them to stay longer in their next visit," replied YB Pehin Yahya.

In reference to the issue on Islamic tourism, YB Pehin Haji Yahya said that the plan has not been implemented yet, but it will be one of the products offered to tourists. "We are not targeting mass-tourism, but rather, experiential tourism," YB Pehin Haji Yahya explained.

With regards to the master plan, YB Pehin Yahya explained that the plan would be carried out based on limitations, that is, "from the top down and not from the bottom up", he said. "For example, alcohol is not encouraged in our country, hence, from this limitation, the master plan will be carried out."

Meanwhile, to promote the Temburong District, meetings are sometimes carried out in the district to expose the public to the district's many eco-tourism spots, the minister added.

A discussion was recently held on the development of Kuala Balai, and the committee members have agreed to rebuild the areas of Kuala Balai with the help of some private sector organisations. A Kuala Balai Development Committee comprising the Belait District Office, Tourism Development Department, Public Works Department, Land Department, Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and the Town and Country Planning Department will be established to work on the plan. Several initiatives have also been organised, such as the Agro Park, Research Centre, Ethnic Heritage Centre and other tourist-related programmes to expand the tourism in Kuala Balai.

Meanwhile, the Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman added that the tender to expand the airport will be released in March and construction will commence by the final quarter of this year for a period of 36 months.

The capacity of the airport will be increased by 50 per cent to accommodate the Haj Pilgrimage, among others.

"A modern concept showcasing a high open ceiling will be implemented while the departure and arrivals halls will be expanded," said YB Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman. "A new air conditioning unit will be installed and a security check up point will be centered at the arrival hall. Baggage management system will be improved and shop units will be increased. Parking area will also be enlarged while maintaining a green conceptual overall design of the airport."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Brunei open to Indian investments in tourism sector

The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is open to Indian investments in the tourism sector of the country. The country is primarily looking for investments in Ecotourism, Health Tourism and Sports Tourism segments.

This information was divulged by Dr Abd Manaf Hj Metussin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Head of Local Business Development, The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) at a business networking reception organised recently by High Commissioner of Brunei in New Delhi.

A delegation of Brunei trade led by Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei is currently in Delhi to participate in the India – ASEAN Business Forum to explore various trade and investment opportunities between two countries.

The Brunei Economic Development Board is also ready to play the role of a facilitator for all kinds of investors looking for a foothold in Brunei in sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food processing, tourism etc.

Speaking with TravelBiz Monitor, he mentioned that Golf Tourism is quite popular in Brunei and receives lot of Chinese and Korean tourists who are interested in the tourism product. “Tourism is a priority sector for us and investors can get all kinds of incentives including tax holidays up to 20 years,” added Abd Manaf Hj Metussin.

Continue reading at: Brunei open to Indian investments in tourism sector
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Brunei Tourism to boost more tourists from China

By Azlan Othman

Chinese tourists are attracted to Brunei Darussalam's pristine and lush rainforests, Islamic cultural heritage and fascinated with the world-class golf course at the Empire Hotel & Country Club.

This observation was made by Mr Song Kai of Beijing Longway International Travel Service (BLITS) Co Ltd, the Chief Representative of Brunei Tourism Beijing Representative Office, who spoke to the Bulletin after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Brunei Tourism and BLITS yesterday.

Signing on behalf of Brunei Tourism was Sheikh Jamaluddin bin Sheikh Mohamed, the CEO of Brunei Tourism. On hand to witness the signing of the MoU was Dato Paduka (Dr) Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources.

In a bid to boost the number of tourists from China to the Sultanate, Brunei Tourism has appointed BLITS to be its first-ever Marketing and Public Relations Representative Office in China.

This is a new milestone for Brunei's tourism industry, as it will now be easier to promote the Sultanate as a tourist destination to the travel industry, media and people of China.

Specialising in marketing, planning and public relations representation services through its international and domestic partners, BLITS will assist in promoting the Sultanate as a travel destination and further boost tourist arrivals from Hong Kong and China.

As many as 22,000 tourist arrivals by air from the Far East market into Brunei were recorded last year. According to the latest figures from Brunei Tourism, the goal for 2011 is to increase this figure by some 20 per cent, which is a realistic target, as RBA has four-times weekly service from Shanghai to Bandar Seri Begawan.

BLITS will be promoting the charms and attractions of the "Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures" mostly to the leisure, family and senior market segments, positioning Brunei as a safe and peaceful destination that offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions such as pristine and easily accessible rainforests, a rich Malay, Islamic and royal heritage, and wholesome activities such as world-class golfing or diving.

"After Australia and China, we might appoint a representative for the European market. As for the next strategy, we will unveil our Tourism Master Plan probably in May or June highlighting eco- and sports tourism," Sheikh Jamaluddin said.

"Though oil prices have increased of late due to the crisis in the Middle East, making it more expensive to travel ... the tourism prospect for the Sultanate (still) looks good," the CEO of Brunei Tourism added.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Brunei villages urged to tap eco-tourism potential

By James Kon

Eco-tourism is one of the main attractions in Brunei Darussalam and is expected to grow 15 per cent yearly.

In light of the vast opportunities in eco-tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin bin Sheikh Mohamed, CEO of Brunei Tourism, has urged all mukims as well as villages nationwide to look for their own uniqueness and promote their areas as tourist hot spots to attract more tourists to Brunei.

Sheikh Jamaluddin spoke at the Chinese New Year get-together function at the Wasai Batu Mapan recreational park, an area that was developed by Pad Nunok Consultative council, Mukim Kiudang as a tourism site.

The CEO of Brunei Tourism said, "We at the Brunei Tourism have always welcomed the efforts of villages in enhancing tourism products that can show the uniqueness of villages.

"Eco-tourism is one of the strategies that the Brunei Tourism places importance on. And I have gone to visit various unique tourism sites in the country, many of the sites can be developed and become major tourist attractions," he said.

However he also advised the organisers that they should also think of their capacity whereby the number of tourists visiting the unique places in the villages need to be controlled in order to protect the environment.

He urged all the mukims and villages to always look for opportunities to develop their uniqueness to help further increase Brunei's tourism potential.

Sheikh Jamaluddin also said that in the next two weeks, he will head a group of tour agents and hoteliers to the Wasai Batu Mapan recreational park to take a closer look at the area in the hope of adding the recreational park as one of the must-see places for foreign as well as domestic tourists.

Later, Hj Musa @ Matasin bin Hj Matussin, village head of Pad Nunok Tutong presented a souvenir to Sheikh Jamaluddin.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Jamaluddin also had the privilege to hand over a donation to a paralysed patient Leong Fook Ing. The donation was received by a relative of Leong.

The event saw an array of entertainment including Lion Dance, Chinese traditional dance, Dusun community dance and also Malay dance performances.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Tourist arrivals to Brunei on the rise

By James Kon

Brunei Tourism is targeting an increase of 20 per cent in tourist arrivals this year compared to last year when an estimated 190,000 to 200,000 tourists visited the country.

Brunei has recorded a jump in foreign tourist arrivals by air thanks to better air linkages and marketing strategies on the majestic allure of the Water Village, Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the Istana Nurul Iman, Royal Regalia, the Museums and other tourism hot spots.

According to statistics provided by Brunei Tourism, 111,538 foreign tourists touched down in Brunei for holidays from January until July last year.

Based on arrival statistics, Brunei Tourism has estimated that arrivals for the whole of 2010 would have been between 190,000 and 200,000, representing a growth between 20 and 27 per cent over 2009.

From the arrival numbers, Malaysians topped the list with 27,736 arrivals. The second spot went to China with 12,482 arrivals followed by United Kingdom and Australia at 9,194 and 9,093.

Recently, 11 charter flights brought in 1,345 tourists from Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan who ushered in the Year of the Rabbit in the Abode of Peace.

The Lunar New Year charter flights combined with the recent lifting of visa requirements for Hong Kong passport holders and the resumption of Royal Brunei Airlines direct flights to Shanghai offering more frequent and direct connections to the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures, are expected to contribute a rise in Brunei Tourism's target of tourist arrivals by air.

Brunei receives an average of 22,000 tourists a year by air from Hong Kong and China and also an additional 2,000 tourists from Taiwan, majority of them coming for a relaxing holiday.

In addition to tourist arrivals by air, more than 20,000 people have come as cruise ship passengers visiting Brunei on day trips.

Arrivals by land and sea (Serasa) are not included, as Brunei Tourism doesn't have the percentage of land and sea arrivals that qualify as tourists, day trippers or border crossers.

With the encouraging figures, Brunei Tourism is targeting a 20 per cent increase over 2010 arrivals for year 2011.

Initiatives to further boost Brunei's tourism are currently in the pipeline and one of the efforts that has already borne fruit is the appointment of Brunei Tourism first marketing representative office in China called Longway recently.

From 2007 to 2009, Brunei received a total of 232,616 tourists by air. Tourists from China made up the most of tourist arrivals from the Far East at 62,769 in three years.

In total, tourists from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan added up to a total of 97,287 arrivals from 2007 to 2009.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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New 787s to give Royal Brunei Airlines more muscle

By Danial Norjidi

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) is set to spread its wings even further when five Boeing Dreamliner 787s join its fleet in 2012.

This was confirmed by Mr Robert Yang, the Chief Executive Officer of RBA (top photo), in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, on the sidelines of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 54th Assembly of Presidents at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

"We have, on order, five 787s, and we hope to welcome them sometime in 2012," he said, adding that this was in line with the airline's strategy to expand prudently and at the same time sustain an effective corporation. "We are on track."

According to earlier reports, RBA had planned to welcome its Boeing Dreamliner 787s in the Sultanate by 2009. However, it failed to materialise due to a number of reasons such as shortage of parts and difficulty in bringing together fuselage and wing structures from Japan, Italy and US.

Speaking during yesterday's media forum, Mr Riaz Moiz, the Executive Vice President of Commercial & Planning at RBA, disclosed that the airline was continuously looking at possible options (destinations) around a "seven-hour radius around Brunei".

According to him, destinations around North Asia that have "always been under consideration" include Tokyo, Taipei and Incheon.

On RBA's fleet expansion, he noted that RBA was currently operating with a 10-aircraft fleet and that the new 787 aircraft would "be more for replacements". He added that the airline was finalised the exact dates when the planes would be coming to the Sultanate.

Commenting on the AAPA 54th Assembly, Mr Yang said: "It's gone great... The airlines have seen some growth and we're optimistic about the coming months and next year. We're now much stronger now and able to tackle all the industry issues as mentioned during the press conference."

"RBA is a strong supporter of AAPA, and it's been an honour to chair it this year," he added.

Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the AAPA 54th Assembly of Presidents yesterday, the Association's Director General, Andrew Herdman, warned that the "post-recessionary airline world still presents a minefield full of regulatory threats to the industry's long term interests".

The need to face up to such major industry challenges is reflected in a series of "strong resolutions" that were adopted by the members of the AAPA upon of the conclusion of the Assembly yesterday.

"Governments in Europe and the US, as well as others here in the Asia Pacific region, continue to bombard airlines with well-intentioned, but often ill-conceived, policies that are actually counter productive to every effort that airlines make to improve efficiency, value for money and overall passenger service experience," Herdman said.

The Association's Director General stressed that governments need to rethink unwarranted and ineffective policies on environment, taxation, as well as passenger services.

"Looking to the long term, the prevailing shift of influence and commercial dynamism towards Asia should result in carriers from the region playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the global air transport industry," he added. "Beyond achieving further commercial success, the region's airlines are committed to concerted action and taking leadership on global regulatory issues."

The resolutions that resulted from the AAPA Assembly yesterday fell into five categories, namely 'Safety', 'Security', 'Environment', 'Taxation' and 'Passenger Services'.

Under the resolution on safety, the AAPA calls on governments "to properly resource and support their regulatory authorities with the aim of achieving full ICAO compliance", while at the same time "positively considering the creation of a cooperative Asia Pacific regional body to provide enhanced safety oversight and guidance to national airworthiness authorities."

On security, the AAPA said: "Whilst always remaining vigilant to terrorist threats, regulatory agencies often react too quickly to incidents by issuing nationally focused aviation security requirements that are costly yet ineffective in achieving improvements to global security."

Increasingly complex, onerous and inconsistent aviation security procedures reportedly continue to frustrate the travelling public.

On environment, the AAPA resolution called on governments to actively support efforts through ICAO to develop a global framework and agreed principles to be applied to the implementation of market based measures, and to refrain from introducing duplicative measures, including the imposition of arbitrary taxes under the guise of green initiatives.

On taxation, the Association called on governments to carefully consider the overall economic effects of putting further financial strain on the travelling public and the air transport industry. It added that the governments should refrain from the introduction of unjustified, discriminatory and arbitrary tax increases that are counterproductive to the shared goals of increased societal mobility and global trade growth.

On passenger services, the AAPA's resolution called on governments "to refrain from introducing legislation that would act as a disincentive to airlines to compete freely on customer service standards and also ensure that mandated regulations related to passenger processing and treatment are designed from the outset to be practical, cost-effective, efficient and sustainable".

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Brunei Tourism promotes country as Islamic travel destination

By Ahmad Shaheeb in Kuala Lumpur

The CEO of Brunei Tourism has highlighted the need for member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to work together in promoting a Joint Islamic Tourism programme that could bring vast benefits to the region.

Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, CEO of Brunei Tourism was presenting a working paper on "OIC Member Countries - New Destination for Islamic Travel and Tourism: How To Tap The Growing Market" at the two-day International Islamic Tourism Conference and Travel Mart held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He was part of a three-member panel that included distinguished speakers Dato' Amiruddin Abu, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia and Dr Syed Irfan Ahmad, CEO of irhal.com. The panel was moderated by Dr Nor'ain Othman, Deputy Dean of Research and Industry Linkage at Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Sheikh Jamaluddin described OIC as "an association of diverse cultures, geographic locations, climates, ways of life and environments".

"If we look carefully at all the countries belonging to the OIC, we can seriously offer excellent products in terms of environment such as pristine rainforest, crystal clear corals, top quality ski slopes and many top unique monuments and ancient mosques not found elsewhere," he said.

"In terms of product offering, it is really top-notch and second-to-none.

"What is needed now is for OIC to have greater marketing cooperation among member countries that can promote OIC to the world in a better tourism light. Some of us here also belong to many world organisations such as APEC, ASEAN and so on. I guess the most famous and widely reported is APEC since the top three countries with nancial and military might belong in this organisation. APEC and ASEAN put tourism as one of (their) top priorities in developing economic activity."

Tourism is the largest industry in the world that contributes to some 10 per cent of the world GDP and working population, said the CEO of Brunei Tourism.

"Tourism is not only appreciated for it's economic benets but is also seen as an instrument of peace," Sheikh Jamaluddin added, citing the words of the late President of South Korea, Mr Kim Dae-jung when South Korea hosted the 2001 APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting.

Speaking from the OIC perspective on promoting Islamic tourism destinations, Sheikh Jamaluddin suggested that brochures on the "World of Islamic Civilisation" be produced under the OIC. The brochures would list the various iconic structures in each of the OIC member countries.

Sheikh Jamaluddin went on to say that Brunei is in itself a Halal destination. Brunei is where most restaurants and all fast foods are Halal, hotels don't serve alcohol but show the Qiblat and provide prayer mats in all hotel rooms, there are Suraus everywhere, medical procedures are Halal, there are no bars, night clubs or public displays of vice activities, he said.

"These attributes will make Muslim visitors feel comfortable and have doubt-free holidays from a religious point of view, while the country is liberal and tolerant enough to make non-Muslims feel at ease while visiting," said the CEO of Brunei Tourism.

Asked by the Bulletin on how the conference and travel mart can help boost Brunei's tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin said, "We are promoting Islamic tourism in Brunei together with Malaysia.

"In Borneo there is no building of Islamic value that people will travel to. In Brunei our oldest mosque is about 50 years old but what we do have for Islamic tourism are Islamic artefacts that is kept in the State Mufti's Office, and some of (the artefacts) are part of the personal collection of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam."

The CEO added that Brunei Tourism is targeting the Southeast Asia market.

"That way, they don't have to travel so far to Middle East countries like Bahrain and Iran," he said.

He also believed that the packages are not just tailored for Muslims but for everyone, saying that "there are many non-Muslims who are interested to learn and appreciate the past histories of great Islamic Civilisations."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Cebu Pacific to start 3rd Manila-Brunei flight

By Tony Alabastro

Budget airline Cebu Pacific announced yesterday it is set to add another frequency to its Manila-Brunei flights, making it a thrice weekly service starting Tuesday, Dec 16, 2010.

Cebu Pacific started flying the Manila-Brunei-Manila route last Aug 21 using an Airbus aircraft. It leaves Manila at 11.50pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the return flight leaves Brunei at 2.25am on Thursdays and Sundays.

"We are confident that we can sustain our growth this second half as we have exceptionally strong forward bookings leading up to the Christmas peak travel season," said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. "Even if July and August are traditionally lean travel months, Cebu Pacific has managed to exceed its passenger and revenue targets."

Cebu Pacific said it is slashing fares for its Brunei-Manila service until October 27, or until seats last, for travel from December 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011.

Guests travelling from Brunei to Manila can avail of BND 49 'Go Lite' seats. Those with check-in luggage will just add BND 3 upon booking.

For booking and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or http://funtours.cebupacificair.com or call Anthony Tours and Travel Agency at (673) 222-2666 or Pan Bright Travel Services at (673) 224-0985. The latest updates on seat sales are available at cebupacificair on Twitter and Cebu Pacific Air Facebook Fan Page.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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