TOURISM
Brunei Darussalam's vision is to promote the country as a unique tourist destination and gateway to tourism excellence in South East Asia. The objectives are to create international awareness of Brunei Darussalam as a holiday destination; to maximise earings of foreign exchange and make tourism as one of the main contributor to GDP. In addition, it will create employment opportunities.

The country offers a wide variety of attractive places to be visited and experienced. The rainforest and National Parks are rich in flora and fauna. Its most magnificent mosques, water village (traditional and historic houses on stilts), rich culture and Jerudong Theme Park are among the uniqueness of Brunei Darussalam.

The government is now actively promoting tourism as an important part of its economic diversification. It would like to see a target of 1 million-visitor arrival by the year 2000. From January to August 1999, the statistic recorded 405,532 visitors visited Brunei Darussalam.

With a 2,500 rooms inventory spread among 30 establishments ranging from guesthouses to the super luxurious "7 Star" Empire Hotel and Country Club, and with a dozen or so active Inbound Tour Operators, Brunei has an adequate yet underutilized tourism infrastructure, with around 10% of its 1 million foreign visitors (2000 figures) being estimated to be bona fide leisure and business tourists staying at least a night in paid accommodation.

TOURISM PRODUCTS
With over 2/3 of the land area covered by pristine rainforests, abundant tropical flora and fauna, a number of easily accessible nature parks and few tourist crowds, Brunei is a perfect destination for nature lovers. In addition, a rich and majestic Royal heritage, the traditions and culture of the Malay and Borneo peoples, and some of the best golfing facilities in the region, all in a compact, safe, peaceful, healthy and family friendly destination, make a Brunei vacation an enriching and original tourism experience.