More foreign tourists coming to Brunei

By Achong Tanjong

An increasing number of foreign tourists have been coming to the country in the past few years, according to statistics from the information counter of the Royal Regalia Building yesterday.

The number of foreign tourists, especially in the package group tours, has increased statistics revealed.

Topping the list of foreign visitors to Brunei Darussalam were visitors from China, followed by Taiwan, Australia, Japan and Malaysia.

In 2005, visitors to the Royal Regalia Building had also recorded an increasing number from Japan and South Korea.

More than 45,000 foreign visitors were recorded having visited the Royal Regalia Building in 2000. The number increased to 57,574 in 2003.

A total of 65,493 visitors were recorded in 2004 and the number also increased in 2005, said the officer at the information counter.

The number of visitors from Singapore, mostly from the army, also increased.

As of January 2006, the Royal Regalia Building recorded 2,387 visitors.

Of this number 1,235 were visitors from China and 438 were Koreans. Other nationalities also made visits.

In February, 4,997 visitors were recorded, including 2,705 Chinese and 675 Korean tourists.

Peak months for tourist visits are February, March and April, depending on the holiday season in other countries, the officer said.

Meanwhile, 12 delegates from Terengganu Islamic & Malay Council as well as Zakat Committee members from Terengganu, Malaysia yesterday visited the Royal Regalia Building. The group was led by Encik Hassan bin Mohd. Noor.

During the visit the group was accompanied by an officer from the Museum Department, Pg. Hj. Ismail bin Pg. Hj. Ibrahim.

The visit was conducted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Darussalam Holding Sdn. Bhd.

According to Hj. Shamsul Baharin Bin Hj. Abd. Rahman, Assistant Officer of Sale and Marketing Department of Darussalam Holding, the group was on a two-day educational visit to the country to have a closer look at Brunei culture and heritage.

They also visited the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other places of interest including the Museum Department, Brunei Art and Handicrafts Centre, and the Water Village. They performed their prayers at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and visited Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kg. Kiarong.

The Royal Regalia Building was officially opened on September 30, 1992 by His Majesty. The building has been designed to incorporate various characteristics of the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy. It has become a landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The building displays a large number of Royal Regalia that had been inherited from generation to generation.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin