Brunei has yet to fully tap tourism potential
Monday, July 23, 2007
BRUNEI'S eco-tourism and culture have been strongly highlighted in the government's campaign to promote the sultanate as a tourist destination, but many locals feel that Brunei still has a long way to go in terms of attracting tourists.
"One of the main problems with Brunei for not being able to attract tourists is its public transportation. How do you expect tourists to travel from one place to another with no proper bus route, and no visible taxi metres?" asked Loo Swee Han, a student who is back in Brunei for a holiday.
"Some taxis have charged tourists as much as $30 for a 10-minute ride from Gadong to Bandar, and the boat taxis at Kampung Ayer definitely charge the tourists at least $10 to make a trip in their taxi," she said.
Others cited Brunei's "lack of night life" and "just not enough interesting places" to visit as among reasons Brunei is far from becoming a popular tourist destination.
"People will not come to the country to shop because there is nothing to buy. Everything closes by 9.30pm, and the only places which are probably open (till late) are coffee shops or the cinema," said Izzah Filzah Mohd Daniel, a young entrepreneur in her 20s.
"If Brunei wants to attract more tourists, the one thing they should start concentrating on is perhaps finding people to maintain the theme park in Jerudong. It is such a waste and so sad to see what the park has turned into," said Lim York Hsin, a teaching graduate.
Many people feel that The Empire Hotel & Country Club, one of Brunei's strongest tourist attractions, should continue to come up with new and exciting activities.
"I look forward to The Empire Hotel's celebrations, promotions and food festivals, without fail. Some of my friends from Miri and I would always come down to enjoy the culture and class that the hotel never fails to provide," said Michelle Lee, a Bruneian studying in Miri, Malaysia.
However, there were those who feel that Brunei could do without the fast-paced lifestyle of other cities. They said the sultanate could rely on the beauty and uniqueness of its natural environment to attract tourists.
"Brunei has so much greenery and we should continue to highlight this fact. With shopping malls everywhere, Brunei is one of those countries that can be famous for its green environment," Tan Mui Lan told The Brunei Times.
"With all the jungles around, Brunei can be one of the most popular places for scientific research for schools, universities and others." she added.
The Brunei Times
"One of the main problems with Brunei for not being able to attract tourists is its public transportation. How do you expect tourists to travel from one place to another with no proper bus route, and no visible taxi metres?" asked Loo Swee Han, a student who is back in Brunei for a holiday.
"Some taxis have charged tourists as much as $30 for a 10-minute ride from Gadong to Bandar, and the boat taxis at Kampung Ayer definitely charge the tourists at least $10 to make a trip in their taxi," she said.
Others cited Brunei's "lack of night life" and "just not enough interesting places" to visit as among reasons Brunei is far from becoming a popular tourist destination.
"People will not come to the country to shop because there is nothing to buy. Everything closes by 9.30pm, and the only places which are probably open (till late) are coffee shops or the cinema," said Izzah Filzah Mohd Daniel, a young entrepreneur in her 20s.
"If Brunei wants to attract more tourists, the one thing they should start concentrating on is perhaps finding people to maintain the theme park in Jerudong. It is such a waste and so sad to see what the park has turned into," said Lim York Hsin, a teaching graduate.
Many people feel that The Empire Hotel & Country Club, one of Brunei's strongest tourist attractions, should continue to come up with new and exciting activities.
"I look forward to The Empire Hotel's celebrations, promotions and food festivals, without fail. Some of my friends from Miri and I would always come down to enjoy the culture and class that the hotel never fails to provide," said Michelle Lee, a Bruneian studying in Miri, Malaysia.
However, there were those who feel that Brunei could do without the fast-paced lifestyle of other cities. They said the sultanate could rely on the beauty and uniqueness of its natural environment to attract tourists.
"Brunei has so much greenery and we should continue to highlight this fact. With shopping malls everywhere, Brunei is one of those countries that can be famous for its green environment," Tan Mui Lan told The Brunei Times.
"With all the jungles around, Brunei can be one of the most popular places for scientific research for schools, universities and others." she added.
The Brunei Times
Business Besides Oil
