(Bandar Seri Begawan, 17th) A team comprising 11 Australian dive travel agencies recently experienced Brunei’s pristine diving destinations on a familiarization (FAM) tour organized by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through the Tourism Development Department.
The tour took place from June 27 to July 3, offering the Australian delegation a rare opportunity to explore renowned shipwreck diving sites such as the Bolkiah Wreck, Dolphin Wreck, and Petani Mistral, as well as the vibrant coral reefs near Pelong Rock and Abana Reef.
Participants highly praised Brunei’s clear waters, abundant marine life, and relatively pristine underwater ecosystems, all of which make Brunei a hidden gem in the region's dive tourism industry.
Following the department’s participation at the ADEX OZTEK Expo in Australia earlier in March, this familiarization trip served as a strategic follow-up. It offered key players in the Australian dive tourism industry a firsthand experience of Brunei’s underwater attractions, and allowed for discussions on creating exclusive dive packages tailored specifically for the Australian market.
According to the Tourism Development Department, the program also included site visits to dive resorts and briefing sessions with local dive operators and tourism stakeholders.
Through these exchanges, both sides explored potential collaborations, including the development of new dive packages and the inclusion of Brunei in regional dive itineraries.
Australian dive stakeholders and local tourism partners held a networking lunch to discuss future collaboration and gather valuable feedback. This familiarization trip reinforced Brunei Tourism Board’s commitment to enhancing international market access and broadening the visitor base through the development of niche tourism areas such as dive tourism.
With a stable environment, year-round diving opportunities, and unique wreck and coral reef sites, Brunei offers the ideal choice for experienced divers seeking new and pristine Southeast Asian experiences.
Although the number of diving enthusiasts visiting Brunei declined following the outbreak of COVID-19, the country is now working to revitalize the sector. Through this initiative and other targeted measures, such as close collaboration with international partners on product development, focused marketing campaigns, and a series of familiarization trips planned throughout 2025, Brunei aims to inspire enthusiasm for dive tourism and promote its sustainable development.
Australia remains a high-potential source market for niche tourism sectors such as diving and eco-adventures. As Australian tourists show increasing interest in lesser-known destinations, Brunei is ready to deliver high-quality, sustainable marine tourism experiences.
The tour took place from June 27 to July 3, offering the Australian delegation a rare opportunity to explore renowned shipwreck diving sites such as the Bolkiah Wreck, Dolphin Wreck, and Petani Mistral, as well as the vibrant coral reefs near Pelong Rock and Abana Reef.
Participants highly praised Brunei’s clear waters, abundant marine life, and relatively pristine underwater ecosystems, all of which make Brunei a hidden gem in the region's dive tourism industry.
Following the department’s participation at the ADEX OZTEK Expo in Australia earlier in March, this familiarization trip served as a strategic follow-up. It offered key players in the Australian dive tourism industry a firsthand experience of Brunei’s underwater attractions, and allowed for discussions on creating exclusive dive packages tailored specifically for the Australian market.
According to the Tourism Development Department, the program also included site visits to dive resorts and briefing sessions with local dive operators and tourism stakeholders.
Through these exchanges, both sides explored potential collaborations, including the development of new dive packages and the inclusion of Brunei in regional dive itineraries.
Australian dive stakeholders and local tourism partners held a networking lunch to discuss future collaboration and gather valuable feedback. This familiarization trip reinforced Brunei Tourism Board’s commitment to enhancing international market access and broadening the visitor base through the development of niche tourism areas such as dive tourism.
With a stable environment, year-round diving opportunities, and unique wreck and coral reef sites, Brunei offers the ideal choice for experienced divers seeking new and pristine Southeast Asian experiences.
Although the number of diving enthusiasts visiting Brunei declined following the outbreak of COVID-19, the country is now working to revitalize the sector. Through this initiative and other targeted measures, such as close collaboration with international partners on product development, focused marketing campaigns, and a series of familiarization trips planned throughout 2025, Brunei aims to inspire enthusiasm for dive tourism and promote its sustainable development.
Australia remains a high-potential source market for niche tourism sectors such as diving and eco-adventures. As Australian tourists show increasing interest in lesser-known destinations, Brunei is ready to deliver high-quality, sustainable marine tourism experiences.