The naming of the Belait District as the ASEAN Clean Tourist City at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards ceremony in Laos on January 26 was a result of the hard work by the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department based on assessment and auditing, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin said.
He said this in response to Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin query at the LegCo meeting yesterday.
“Every agency can nominate and pass to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) for evaluation,” the minister said.
With regard to promoting tourism in the Sultanate raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman, the minister said 200 tourism packages were introduced to lure and attract tourists.
Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman suggested promoting education in Brunei as a tourism destination and also medical tourism.
PHOTO: INFOFOTO
Meanwhile it was also proposed for the sports centre to host university games, international marathons and half triathlons while bringing transit passengers going to perform umrah and visit Islamic tourism sites in the country. Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman also suggested to promote niche tourism for unique car collection.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf said the nation promotes educational camps by bringing students from Singapore. He said the Ministry of Health is in consultation with Jerudong Park Medical Centre and Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre to promote health tourism while the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is teaming up with MPRT to promote the country’s unique culture. The minister also revealed a marathon is expected to be held next year at the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin called on the authorities to beautify hiking tracks.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Manaf said it depends on the owner of the recreational park, citing examples such as recreational areas in Luagan Lalak in Mukim Labi and Bukit Patoi Forest Recreational Park in Temburong District, which have been upgraded.
On promoting souvenirs made from wood, the minister said it adds to value to the product.
He said over 20 entrepreneurs participated in a workshop in this regard recently.
“They are passionate to an extent that they even used 3D printers,” the minister said. “We are working with Bank Usahawan and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) to expand their businesses and the ministry will help in sourcing the wood.” – Azlan Othman
