Sarawak Travel Fair in Gadong, 27 ? 29 March 2009

BRUNEIANS make up the largest number of tourists to Sarawak, with a total of 1.4 million Bruneians visiting last year. Sarawak Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Michael Manyin said despite a dip from the 2007 figures when 1.5 million Bruneians visited the State, more Bruneians were expected to visit this year with the many events lined up for them.

He was speaking during the launch of the three-day Sarawak Tourism and Travel Fair from March 27 to 29. Also attending the event were the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei, H.E Dato? Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, foreign diplomats, invited guests and the media.

Sixteen tourism agencies are participating in the travel fair. They will give Bruneians an option on how to spend their weekends, in hotels, resorts, tours and group outings to Miri.

In his speech, Datuk Manyin said tourists who came to Sarawak had the advantage of benefitting from the strong exchange rate of the Bruneian dollar which is on par with the Singapore dollar. "We are targetting Bruneians and Singaporeans because that is the greatest attraction for them when shopping in Malaysia. He further explained that Sarawak is taking steps to ensure Bruneians are safe when they visit Miri. He said a campaign involving tour operators, the public and police had been implemented to ensure the safety of all tourists coming to Miri.

He added that he had stressed this during a meeting with tour operators two weeks ago, and told them to focus on security aspects. This involved making sure that not only Bruneians but all visitors to Miri are not disturbed.

Sixteen tourism agencies are participating in the travel fair. They will give Bruneians an option on how to spend their weekends, in hotels, resorts, tours and group outings to Miri.

In his speech, Datuk Manyin said tourists who came to Sarawak had the advantage of benefitting from the strong exchange rate of the Bruneian dollar which is on par with the Singapore dollar. "We are targetting Bruneians and Singaporeans because that is the greatest attraction for them when shopping in Malaysia. He further explained that Sarawak is taking steps to ensure Bruneians are safe when they visit Miri. He said a campaign involving tour operators, the public and police had been implemented to ensure the safety of all tourists coming to Miri.

He added that he had stressed this during a meeting with tour operators two weeks ago, and told them to focus on security aspects. This involved making sure that not only Bruneians but all visitors to Miri are not disturbed.

The Brunei Times, Borneo Bulletin & Media Permata