The Brunei-Malaysia tourism relationship is looking bright.
In addition to the existing relationship Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia has, improvements in catering to tourists who arrive in either country are underway.
Part of the agreement between Brunei and Malaysia as mentioned by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, was that both countries need to develop training for tour guides to ensure information that is relayed to tourists is correct.
He also stressed that tour guide training "is one of the areas we want to work on quickly".
Seeing that Malaysia has experience in various areas, Brunei Darussalam will follow in Malaysia's footsteps in terms of gathering data via technology where information such as the number of tourists arriving, their demographics such as age and sex, the number of days spent in the country as well as their spending is collected and used for references.
According to the minister, these types of statistics play a major role in determining the types of market that need to be targeted.
"Before you can start, you have to have good figures," he said, hoping that this collaboration and assistance will enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Also, Malaysia has extended an invitation to Brunei Darussalam to participate in an event that will be held some time in July and has offered assistance for the Heart of Borneo project.
When asked what was further discussed during the bilateral meeting with Malaysia yesterday during the Asean Tourism Minister's Meeting for ATF 2010, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya said, "Positive things".
(Borneo Bulletin : 28.1.2010)