The Green Horizons: Tourism and Sustainable Investments Exhibition was officially launched at the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery yesterday.
Organised by the Tourism Development Department at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) in partnership with Green Brunei, the exhibition is open to visitors until October 7, providing a platform for eco-driven agencies committed to sustainable initiatives that not only benefit the environment but also to uplift their local community activities.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab was the guest of honour.
Acting Director of the Tourism Development Department Salinah binti Haji Mohd Salleh in her welcoming remarks said the exhibition celebrates the convergence of culture, nature and sustainable tourism in conjunction with the World Tourism Day 2023 with the theme ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.
Celebrated every year on the September 27, World Tourism Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness on the importance of tourism and its impact on communities and economies worldwide.
It is an occasion for reflection, a moment to appreciate the immense potential of the tourism industry, and an opportunity to address the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.
According to the Tourism Development Department, the event aspires to redefine tourism investments after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on three pivotal priorities: people, planet, and prosperity.
United Nations World Tourism Organization underscores the vital need for both traditional and innovative investments to drive sustainable tourism. World Tourism Day 2023 stands as a global call to action, urging governments, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector investors to unite behind a novel tourism investment strategy, which emphasises education, sustainable infrastructure, green transformation and innovation, while fostering inclusive prosperity.
The exhibition also features week-long talks centred around sustainable efforts and initiatives, including ‘How to Live a Low Waste Lifestyle’ by Green Brunei, ‘Low Waste Living with Kaimana’ by Kaimana co-founder Trish Lai, ‘Eco and Sustainability @ International School Brunei (ISB)’ by ISB’s Eco-Coordinator David Mark Evans, ‘Outdoor Discover Centre and Sustainable Practices’ by Jerudong International School’s sustainability prefects Eoin Kyle and Raika Chowdhury and ‘Discover Nature’s Beauty as a Bird-Watching Guide’ by bird guide specialist Muhammad Daud Abdullah. – James Kon
