BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct 1 (NNN-BB NEWS) – Engagement with development partners, such as China and Australia, is key to the continuous growth of the tourism sector in the ASEAN’s sub-regional growth area of BIMP-EAGA, Brunei tourism official said.
BIMP-EAGA is ASEAN sub-regional growth cluster of Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area.
Speaking at the opening of the 16th Joint Tourism Development Cluster Meeting in Brunei, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Wardi Mohammad Ali, said, these type of engagements and collaboration with other partners remain relevant, in supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in the region, in the face of uncertain global economic conditions.
The official said, the BIMP-EAGA’s tourism sector remains vibrant, with total tourist arrivals growing at an average rate of 6.6 percent, reaching 88.2 million in 2017. The BIMP-EAGA sub-region also continues to be an attractive investment hub, with over 20 billion U.S. dollars mobilised from both foreign and domestic investment.
At the meeting, Wardi also urged BIMP-EAGA member countries to support and complement activities within ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025, and broaden partnerships with ASEAN’s strategic partners, to increase tourism employment opportunities and economic livelihoods of local communities.– NNN-BB NEWS