Launched back in 2006, the Kenali Negara Kitani (KNK) initiative began as a vibrant KNK Carnival, masterminded by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through the Tourism Development Department in partnership with Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).
The event was designed to spotlight Brunei’s domestic tourism offerings, showcasing a rich array of travel packages, hospitality experiences, and local products.
Aimed at boosting public interest during the year-long holidays, the carnival quickly became a cornerstone in promoting the best of Brunei’s local treasures.
Fast-forward to 2024, the KNK packages have experienced a phenomenal increase in domestic bookings, with visitor numbers soaring from 6,255 in 2022 to 12,720 in 2023.
This impressive rise has led to a notable economic boost, with revenue jumping from BND567,000 in 2022 to approximately BND2 million in 2023.
This surge not only highlights the soaring appeal of the KNK packages but also signals a broader rise in local tourism across Brunei Darussalam. The staycation trend among Bruneians has also gained momentum, with a noticeable increase in hotel stays.
In 2023, 295,437 people chose to unwind in local hotels, a rise from 293,432 the previous year. This growing preference for home-grown getaways underscores Brunei’s charm as a prime destination for relaxation and discovery, encouraging residents to explore the treasures within their own borders.
BRUNEI COFFEE TRAIL
The Tourism Development Department of the MPRT, on a mission to ignite Brunei’s domestic tourism scene with exciting new ventures, recently launched the Brunei Coffee Trail alongside the KNK Carnival.
This fresh addition highlights Brunei’s burgeoning coffee culture, which has flourished with an array of new cafes sprouting across the districts, a youthful enthusiasm for coffee brewing, and vibrant events celebrating all things coffee.
The booklet is a treasure map for locals and visitors alike, showcasing a plethora of coffee spots where one can savour Brunei’s distinctive coffee offerings.
This initiative not only boosts local businesses but also promotes domestic tourism.
HIGHLIGHTS AND FEEDBACK
The KNK Carnival 2024, true to its original purpose in 2006, is still a dynamic platform for unveiling new tourism offerings, providing prime opportunity for stakeholders to present innovative packages designed to enhance family and friends’ time during the upcoming school holidays.
The carnival featured a range of exciting new options that received enthusiastic feedback from attendees in its opening days.
Visitors expressed keen interest in various activities, with the canopy walk experience at Ulu Temburong emerging as a standout attraction.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
During an interview at the carnival, Hajah Siti Norsyahdina Sabrina binti Haji Sallehuddin from Darussalam Services Sdn Bhd highlighted how the KNK Carnival offers a valuable chance for the public to discover more about inbound tours that remain largely unexplored.
She noted that the carnival not only showcases the diverse range of packages offered by travel service providers but also includes activities such as cultural experiences, family team-building, relaxation, recreation, adventure and hiking across Brunei’s four districts.
Hajah Siti Norsyahdina Sabrina remarked that domestic visitors who opted for these packages were pleasantly surprised by the Sultanate’s offerings. They were particularly taken by tourist attractions in various districts, such as traditional longhouses, coffee fields, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. These unique experiences beautifully highlight Brunei’s rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
In a similar vein, Nurkhairinnida Abdullah from the Mendaram Besar Longhouse in Labi emphasised that the KNK Carnival serves as an excellent platform for promoting local products. These handmade and woven goods, crafted by the local community including senior citizens and youth, gain significant exposure and market opportunities thanks to the carnival.
With its array of initiatives and collaborative efforts, the department is not only fostering a dynamic and thriving tourism sector but also experiences showcasing Brunei Darussalam’s unique charm.
As the carnival unfolds, it underscores the commitment to creating a vibrant and sustainable tourism landscape that celebrates and supports both Bruneian culture and the local economy. – Rokiah Mahmud
