Brunei Hosted ATF2010, eyes turned to Cambodia

The Asean Tourism Forum which is opened by his Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister of Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, is closed by handing over the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) Commemorative Plaque to Cambodia on Thursday, January 28th.

As the tourism in Brunei is still very young, the country benefited from the forum and gained more knowledge in promoting its own tourism. Foreign travel agents have expressed interest in Brunei and found the country as a unique new destination.

Brunei is not touristy; people don't bother tourists like in some other countries and tourists are free to do whatever they want as long as they follow the rules. Maybe the biggest disadvantage the country has is the ban of alcoholic drinks. You may not be able to find any alcoholic drinks in the country. Tourists can only bring 2 bottles of alcoholic beverage or 12 cans of beer with themselves. Neither hotels nor markets sell alcoholic beverages in the country. Some foreign travel agents commented that alcohol is the biggest problem that the country may face in tourism industry. Many Europeans want to drink wine with their dinners.

During the ATF, Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) and Tourism Malaysia signed a marketing deal to spur tourist arrivals in Brunei and Malaysia. "We see tourism as a collaborative effort, and not competitive," said Tourism Minister Dr. Ng Yen Yen after signing ceremony which took place during Malaysia's National Tourism Organization briefing at the Bridex Center.

750 international exhibitors showcased their tourism products to 363 buyers at the Travelex, which was held from January 26 to 28. Travex 2010 was held in conjunction with the Asean Tourism Forum 2010 from January 21 to 28.

After ATF, some of the international buyers and media joined to a three-day, two-night post-tour of the country and visited Ulu-Ulu National Park, Tasek Merimbun, Oil and Gas Discovery Centre in the Belait District and others.

The Brunei Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya handed over the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) Commemorative Plaque to Cambodia, who will be hosting it next year. The event would be held January 15-21, 2011.