Spotlight on humble village to attract tourists
Friday, June 1, 2007
NATIONAL development agency Brunei Tourism extended a heartfelt plea yesterday to locals to put store by the nation's hopes for tourism industry as a key contributor to economic diversification.
"(Our aim will be to) educate the local community on tourism potential and change the way our people think, to have some faith in this industry," said tourism development director Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Matan Carnival 2007, a two-day outdoor fair intended to put the spotlight on the humble village of Kampong Sungai Matan, one of many small settlements lining the main road through the mukim of Kota Batu.
The Matan Carnival is the first such event of its kind in the Brunei-Muara District supported by Brunei Tourism's Kenali Negara Kitani (Know Your Country) campaign. The community-driven initiative was recognised by Brunei Tourism, under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and the Home Affairs Ministry, as an exemplary effort by a Bruneian village to promote its identity.
Kg Sungai Matan head Pg Hj Abdul Rahman Pg Hj Zainal said: "This carnival is a first for us. Insyallah, we will have a similar one next year, and every year (from now on)." Aside from providing an opportunity to cultivate stronger bonds within the community, he also mentioned hopes of the exposure boosting the village's small businesses, particularly ones involved in marine catches, fish and horticultural produce and traditional foods.
"This responds well to a call by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the introduction of a One Product One Kampung concept," said Sheikh Jamaluddin. He stressed that cooperation between the masses, hoteliers and tour agencies would be crucial in the creation of tourism packages suitable for both the domestic and foreign markets.
The presence of homegrown ecotourism agency Mona FloraFauna Tours at the carnival was much appreciated by the locals, as well as school students.
Managing director Mohd Daud Abdullah said he had received an overwhelming response to the tours specially arranged for the event.
Places on the two available excursions, the Kg Sungai Matan River Cruise and an eco-historical tour, were snapped up by customers drawn by the unusually low prices, which begin at $3 per head.
"We're also holding training for local boatsmen so they will know where to bring tourists," said Mohd Daud.
He said he was expecting two large parties of school students to arrive later yesterday for his company's tours, which will involve leisurely boat rides through mangrove swamps, and a chance to catch a glimpse of the highly-evasive proboscis monkeys. The Matan Carnival will reach its official conclusion this afternoon with a seafood cooking competition for the females of the village.
The Brunei Times
"(Our aim will be to) educate the local community on tourism potential and change the way our people think, to have some faith in this industry," said tourism development director Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Matan Carnival 2007, a two-day outdoor fair intended to put the spotlight on the humble village of Kampong Sungai Matan, one of many small settlements lining the main road through the mukim of Kota Batu.
The Matan Carnival is the first such event of its kind in the Brunei-Muara District supported by Brunei Tourism's Kenali Negara Kitani (Know Your Country) campaign. The community-driven initiative was recognised by Brunei Tourism, under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and the Home Affairs Ministry, as an exemplary effort by a Bruneian village to promote its identity.
Kg Sungai Matan head Pg Hj Abdul Rahman Pg Hj Zainal said: "This carnival is a first for us. Insyallah, we will have a similar one next year, and every year (from now on)." Aside from providing an opportunity to cultivate stronger bonds within the community, he also mentioned hopes of the exposure boosting the village's small businesses, particularly ones involved in marine catches, fish and horticultural produce and traditional foods.
"This responds well to a call by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the introduction of a One Product One Kampung concept," said Sheikh Jamaluddin. He stressed that cooperation between the masses, hoteliers and tour agencies would be crucial in the creation of tourism packages suitable for both the domestic and foreign markets.
The presence of homegrown ecotourism agency Mona FloraFauna Tours at the carnival was much appreciated by the locals, as well as school students.
Managing director Mohd Daud Abdullah said he had received an overwhelming response to the tours specially arranged for the event.
Places on the two available excursions, the Kg Sungai Matan River Cruise and an eco-historical tour, were snapped up by customers drawn by the unusually low prices, which begin at $3 per head.
"We're also holding training for local boatsmen so they will know where to bring tourists," said Mohd Daud.
He said he was expecting two large parties of school students to arrive later yesterday for his company's tours, which will involve leisurely boat rides through mangrove swamps, and a chance to catch a glimpse of the highly-evasive proboscis monkeys. The Matan Carnival will reach its official conclusion this afternoon with a seafood cooking competition for the females of the village.
The Brunei Times
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