Sunday, July 16, 2006

Sultanate readies for visit Brunei Year 2008

By Lyna Mohamad

The Tourism Development Section of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources is currently actively making various preparations for the Visit Brunei Year 2008.

This was stated by Deputy Minister of Industries and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdilah Hj Wahab, when speaking to local and Vietnamese media at a press conference prior to RBA's inaugural Ho Chi Minh City banquet early last month.

Preparations for VBY 2008 - "Discover the Mystery of Brunei Darussalam", is being executed not only in the country but also abroad through various activities such as media briefings and press conferences with travel agents and the public as well as through the Internet.

Cooperation between media and travel agents is crucial in promoting and introducing Brunei Darussalam in particular the VBY 2008, said the deputy minister who is also Chairman of Brunei Tourism Board.

The most suitable time to visit Brunei Darussalam is in July and August as the country will be celebrating His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 60th birthday, as well as during the Hari Raya festive season, where a variety of activities will take place including the opportunity to personally greet and wish His Majesty and the royal family at the palace.

In line with VBY 2008, The Empire Hotel & Country Club and RBA are extending their cooperation with the ministry with media members and travel agents from Vietnam invited to visit the Sultanate during the 'Media Press Trip' to be held mid-July until late August.

With the establishment of the good and strong Brunei-Vietnam ties, the deputy minister believes there is a potential for tourism development between the two countries and the new thrice weekly services to Ho Chi Minh City proves so.

Also present during the press conference held at the New World Hotel, in Ho Chi Minh were RBA's Commercial Director, Hj Hanafiah Jikeria; Acting Head of Corporate Communications, Hj Rozman Hj Junaidi and several RBA senior officials.

Hj Hanafiah Jikeria meanwhile noted that the launching of RBA's scheduled services to Ho Chi Minh is a meaningful one as the national carrier extends its network to one more Asean destination.

This will boost tourism, trade, education, cultural ties and others between Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam, he said, adding that they were proud if they could chip in towards the positive development of any of the mentioned sectors and will be grateful for cooperation extended to them to promote this together.

"As one of the catalysts of economic developments, RBA is working hard to develop its network, share the benefits with other aviation related industries in both countries and improve itself as one of the leading airlines in the region," he concluded.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

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