Engaging youth as the new champions of future tourism is crucial for fostering a high value industry, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin said.
The minister in his remarks during the 7th Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) Tourism Ministerial Round Table held over the weekend, said youth play a crucial role as both, as the future workforce and future leaders of the industry.
“Their collective commitment to sustainability and the preservation of nature and culture across regions will shape the industry’s future,” the minister said.
The minister emphasised that regenerative tourism is highly valued for its focus on quality and inclusivity, combining environmental conservation with community-based tourism.
“This is in line with Brunei Darussalam’s strategic plan to offer tourists meaningful and high-quality experiences while turning conservation efforts into economic benefits for local communities and the natural environment,” he said.
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Noralinda binti Haji Ibrahim and Tourism Development Department officials also attended the roundtable.
The 7th TEJ Tourism Ministerial Round Table at TEJ 2024 focused on ‘Creating a New Travel Journey’ with engaging young people in shaping the future of tourism.
The discussions underscored the crucial role of the younger generation in driving innovation and transformation in a rapidly evolving industry.
The roundtable highlighted the importance of inspiring youth to consider how digitalisation, sustainability, and shifting tourist behaviours can shape the future of tourism, calling for their active involvement in reimagining the travel landscape.
The roundtable further deliberated on strategies to elevate the quality and value of tourism offerings to creating more meaningful and memorable experiences for visitors.
Emphasis was placed on transitioning towards a value-based tourism model that delivers distinctive and curated experiences, highlighting the unique cultural and natural heritage of each destination. Another key area of discussion was the significance of cultural tourism, particularly through the lens of gastronomy tourism.
Culinary experiences were recognised as a powerful medium for fostering deeper cultural understanding, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with the heart of a destination through its rich food traditions.
Gastronomy tourism not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also plays a vital role in supporting local economies by showcasing regional cuisines and empowering local food producers. – James Kon
