The resumption of direct flights to Beijing is expected to bring in more tourists from China to the country, said the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) in a statement.
Direct flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to China’s capital resumed on Saturday, marking a milestone in the gradual revival of the local tourism industry after years of suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, 110 Chinese tourists arriving in the country were welcomed with the sounds of hadrah and local greeters.
Chinese Ambassador-designate to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo said he hopes the Chinese tourists will have a memorable holiday in the country while visiting the various attractions, adding that he “hopes they enjoy the beauty of nature and traditional culture”.
The ambassador-designate said with the arrival of the first batch of tourists from Beijing, others from Chinese cities may be encouraged to come.
“This will further boost people-to-people exchanges and economic activities. It is a very significant milestone,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ambassador-designate hopes to push for visa-free travel for both nations as soon as possible, noting that it would lead to further improvements in tourism.
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid said the company is delighted with the resumption of its direct flights to Beijing.
“RB will take this opportunity to expand and introduce more tourist destinations to China. InsyaAllah, we hope to fulfil the long overdue holiday needs of our customers,” said the RB CEO.
Tourists from China were previously among the top five visitors to Brunei Darussalam, with 22 per cent (333,244) arriving by air to the country in 2019, according to the MPRT.
The ministry added that tourism service providers and travel agencies saw an increase in the number of bookings for tour packages with tourist arrivals. This includes full day city tours with a visit to Jerudong Park, Ulu Temburong day trips and mangrove safari tours with visits to Kampong Ayer.
A sales manager of Beijing Long Way International Travel Services, who promotes Brunei as a destination to Chinese tourist, said he personally enjoys the Sultanate’s natural ‘green’ beauty.
“Many Chinese tourists are here for a quiet and relaxing vacation. Brunei is a fantastic destination for a family to enjoy the pristine environment and green nature.”
On Saturday, the tourists were welcomed by Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, the RB CEO and the Chinese ambassador-designate.
The ministry said another five groups of tourists – 388 individuals in total – from Beijing and Taipei will arrive throughout the week. – James Kon
