Thursday, December 04, 2008

Apec's Tourism Working Group delegates see potential in Brunei tourism industry


By Malek Hashim

The 33rd Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Tourism Working Group (TWG) delegates yesterday made a technical visit to various places of interest in the country.

The delegation, comprising over 30 delegates from various Apec member countries made their first stop at the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque before leaving for the Royal Regalia building.

From there, the delegation continued their technical tour to Kampong Ayer. The delegation also made a stop at Kampong Tamoi, where they were treated with local delicacies.

Dr Zainab bte Khalifah, a professor from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) said that Brunei has the resource to promote its tourism industry.

She also said in the current global economic outlook, countries in the Asean region should find a room for further cooperation in promoting the regional tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Pablo Lopez de Romana, the Peru vice minister of tourism who visited Brunei for the first time said he definitely would like to visit again in the future and maybe bring along his family.

He said Brunei is a unique country by its own.

"Brunei is a nice country that you need to see for yourself," said Pablo Lopez.

Jean Christophe Robles Espinosa, the director of marketing and promotion at the Brunei Tourism, guided the delegation throughout the technical tour. In an interview, Jean Christophe said such a tour is useful to create awareness among the delegates about Brunei tourist attractions so that they will relate their personal experience back to their home countries.

"Holding international meetings in Brunei is one of the ways to project the image of Brunei (to other countries)," said Jean Christophe.

The 33rd Apec TWG meeting began on Dec 2. The meeting among others discussed the updates on Apec Peru 2008 and the progress of Apec TWG projects since the 32nd TWG meeting in Lima, Peru.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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