(Bandar Seri Begawan, 20th) The Tourism Development Department (TDD) under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, in collaboration with the Forestry Department (Jabatan Perhutanan, JPH), will launch a one-year GSTC certification project for Ulu Temburong National Park (UTNP) and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park (LLRP) starting May 2026.
The project aims to strengthen the sustainable management of both parks according to internationally recognized standards, making them certified sustainable tourism attractions while preserving Brunei's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a globally recognized institution responsible for developing and managing international standards for sustainable tourism. GSTC certification is a formal international recognition that a tourist site is managed according to established sustainability standards, providing credibility and assurance to tourists, industry partners, and the broader tourism sector.
Gaining GSTC certification will bring numerous benefits to Ulu Temburong National Park and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park, including enhancing international reputation, improving sustainable development and visitor management practices, strengthening the protection of natural and cultural assets, as well as boosting the confidence of visitors and tourism industry partners.
The certification will also help enhance the market position of both parks, support responsible tourism development, and create more opportunities for local communities and tourism businesses.
The project includes comprehensive evaluation according to GSTC’s attraction criteria, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and the development of actionable plans to address identified gaps. These two parks were chosen for their biodiversity, natural environment, and ecotourism potential. Through this initiative, the parks are expected to further enhance environmental protection, strengthen visitor management, improve tourist experiences, and bring socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities through sustainable tourism practices.
As part of the project, preliminary assessments have been conducted through on-site visits, document reviews, and stakeholder consultation meetings to evaluate the current sustainability performance of the two parks. An awareness workshop for stakeholders was also held to introduce the GSTC certification process and present initial research findings, aiming to help stakeholders understand the certification process and areas for improvement needed to achieve international recognition.
This initiative supports Brunei’s broader national development priorities by promoting environmental protection, community well-being, and sustainable economic development, including the “Brunei Vision 2035”, the “Brunei Tourism Roadmap (2024-2035)” and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Tourism Development Department extends its sincere gratitude to the Forestry Department and all participating organizations, tourism operators, local communities, and stakeholders for their support and cooperation. Through partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability, this project aims to elevate Brunei’s status as a sustainable nature tourism destination.
The project aims to strengthen the sustainable management of both parks according to internationally recognized standards, making them certified sustainable tourism attractions while preserving Brunei's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a globally recognized institution responsible for developing and managing international standards for sustainable tourism. GSTC certification is a formal international recognition that a tourist site is managed according to established sustainability standards, providing credibility and assurance to tourists, industry partners, and the broader tourism sector.
Gaining GSTC certification will bring numerous benefits to Ulu Temburong National Park and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park, including enhancing international reputation, improving sustainable development and visitor management practices, strengthening the protection of natural and cultural assets, as well as boosting the confidence of visitors and tourism industry partners.
The certification will also help enhance the market position of both parks, support responsible tourism development, and create more opportunities for local communities and tourism businesses.
The project includes comprehensive evaluation according to GSTC’s attraction criteria, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and the development of actionable plans to address identified gaps. These two parks were chosen for their biodiversity, natural environment, and ecotourism potential. Through this initiative, the parks are expected to further enhance environmental protection, strengthen visitor management, improve tourist experiences, and bring socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities through sustainable tourism practices.
As part of the project, preliminary assessments have been conducted through on-site visits, document reviews, and stakeholder consultation meetings to evaluate the current sustainability performance of the two parks. An awareness workshop for stakeholders was also held to introduce the GSTC certification process and present initial research findings, aiming to help stakeholders understand the certification process and areas for improvement needed to achieve international recognition.
This initiative supports Brunei’s broader national development priorities by promoting environmental protection, community well-being, and sustainable economic development, including the “Brunei Vision 2035”, the “Brunei Tourism Roadmap (2024-2035)” and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Tourism Development Department extends its sincere gratitude to the Forestry Department and all participating organizations, tourism operators, local communities, and stakeholders for their support and cooperation. Through partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability, this project aims to elevate Brunei’s status as a sustainable nature tourism destination.