AGP Executive Report

Brunei Tourism Planning: Brunei Tourism Development Department is inviting tourism stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase Brunei’s culture, nature, products and experiences while creating new opportunities for local businesses and communities. Regional Travel Rules: Thailand is tightening visa-free tourism from Sept 15, cutting the former 60-day stay to 30 days for 60 countries/territories (including Brunei) and adding separate 15-day categories for Seychelles and Mauritius; short-term business/work stays may need visas. Haze Disruption in Borneo: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after air pollution hit critical levels (Air Pollutant Index 521), with haze from Indonesia’s fires affecting daily life and health across parts of Borneo, including areas linked to Brunei’s region. Brunei Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns Sept 12–13 at BRIDEX, with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions, positioning it as a key feeder for inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Cross-Border Tourism Showcase: Brunei will promote its coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) via the Brunei pavilion and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 roadshow.

Brunei Tourism Planning: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting tourism stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to spotlight Brunei’s culture, nature, local products and experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities. Regional Travel Watch: Thailand’s visa-free rules are tightening from 15 September 2026: the standard tourism exemption drops from 60 days to 30 days (with some nationalities on 15 days), and visa-free land border entries will be capped at twice per year for most travellers. Borneo Air Quality Disruption: Severe haze linked to Indonesian fires is hitting travel and daily life across Borneo, with Malaysia declaring an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index surged to 521—prompting residents to limit outings and affecting conditions for cross-border visitors, including Brunei. Brunei Travel Trade Events: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 September at BRIDEX (Jerudong) with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions, while Brunei will also showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (4–6 September) ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting tourism stakeholders to submit proposals for events and programmes to help drive Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to boost both domestic and international arrivals. Travel Fairs & Deals: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 September at BRIDEX (Jerudong) with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions, while Brunei also plans a Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 roadshow at the Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) in Kota Kinabalu. Regional Disruption (Haze): Severe wildfire haze continues to hit Borneo, with Malaysia declaring an emergency in Serian (Sarawak) after air pollution spiked, affecting daily life and travel plans across Brunei-linked routes. Regional Disruption (Volcanic Ash): Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau ash has extended airport closures around Jakarta, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers and disrupting regional flight schedules. Thailand Entry Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days from 15 September for 60 countries (including Brunei), and cap land-border visa-free entries at twice per year—important for Brunei travellers planning frequent short trips.

Brunei Tourism Planning: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to spotlight culture, nature, products and tourism experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities. Travel Fairs & Deals: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 September at BRIDEX (Jerudong) with 90+ booths and exclusive promotions, including special offers from Royal Brunei Airlines. Regional Showcase: Brunei will take part in Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) with a Brunei Darussalam Pavilion featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 roadshow. Haze Disruptions in the Region: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with smoke from Indonesia’s fires also affecting Brunei and Singapore—while Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption has disrupted flights and stranded hundreds of thousands of travellers. Thailand Visa Shake-Up: From 15 September, Thailand cuts visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries (including Brunei), and caps visa-exempt land border entries at twice per year for most travellers.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local and national stakeholders to submit proposals for events, programmes and initiatives to help shape Visit Brunei Year 2027, with a focus on cultural heritage, nature, local products and tourism experiences. Aviation Disruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption has forced Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to stay shut until 23:59 local time, disrupting about 2,300 flights and affecting more than 270,000 passengers across seven airports, with reopening dependent on updated ash readings. Regional Haze Alert: Severe transboundary haze from Indonesian fires has pushed Malaysia’s Sarawak into emergency conditions, including Serian hitting an Air Pollutant Index of 521, with smoke affecting daily life and raising concerns for travel comfort across Brunei and the wider region. Brunei Travel Trade Push: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns on 12–13 September at BRIDEX, promising travel deals and promotions with Royal Brunei Airlines among key participants. Brunei Showcasing in Sabah: Brunei will take part in Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) with a Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 roadshow at the Brunei Darussalam pavilion. Thailand Entry Rules Update: From 15 September, Thailand cuts visa-free tourism stays for many nationalities (including Brunei) from 60 to 30 days, and also limits visa-exempt land border crossings to twice per calendar year for most travellers.

Volcanic Disruption: Indonesia extended airport closures after Mount Anak Krakatau ash spread across Java and Sumatra, with Soekarno-Hatta shut until 8.59am local time and dozens of regional services (including Royal Brunei Airlines) cancelled or rebooked. Regional Travel Risk: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, as transboundary haze from Indonesian fires choked parts of Borneo and drifted toward Brunei and Singapore—prompting residents to limit outings and seek medical care. Brunei Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 Sept at BRIDEX (Jerudong) with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions, aiming to boost both inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Brunei Showcasing Abroad: Brunei will spotlight coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) via a Brunei Darussalam Pavilion and Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Thailand Visa Update for Bruneians: Thailand’s visa-free tourism stay is set to drop from 60 to 30 days from 15 Sept for most eligible nationalities, with land border entries capped at twice yearly for many travellers (air arrivals unaffected).

Haze Emergency in Sarawak (Borneo): Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian after air pollution hit an Air Pollutant Index of 521, with smoke from Indonesian fires spreading across Borneo and reaching Brunei and other neighbours; residents reported breathing trouble and said they’re cutting trips to avoid the worst of the haze. Brunei Travel Trade Push: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 Sept at BRIDEX (Jerudong) with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions, aiming to boost inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Tourism Promotion in Sabah: Brunei will showcase its coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) via a Brunei pavilion and the Brunei Coffee Trail/Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Thailand Visa Rules for Travellers: From 15 Sept, Thailand cuts visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries/territories including Brunei, and limits visa-exempt land border entries to twice per year (with some exemptions). Regional Connectivity via BIMP-EAGA: MinDA highlighted Mindanao’s readiness to link with ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA markets during Sabah International Expo 2026, signalling more cross-border business and tourism collaboration.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with smoke from Indonesia’s Kalimantan fires drifting across Borneo and affecting Brunei and Singapore—residents reported thick haze even at home and health impacts, with authorities warning of restrictions when readings spike. Brunei Travel Trade Push: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 Sept at BRIDEX (Jerudong) with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions, aiming to boost both inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Tourism Showcase: Brunei will promote its coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) via a Brunei Darussalam Pavilion and the Brunei Coffee Trail. Thailand Visa Rules for Travellers: From 15 Sept, Thailand cuts visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries (including Brunei), and caps land-border visa-exempt entries at twice per calendar year—important for frequent border crossers.

Brunei Tourism Fair 2026: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair on 12–13 September 2026 at BRIDEX in Jerudong, with 90+ booths and special promotions from Royal Brunei Airlines, aiming to boost both inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Expo Push: Brunei will also showcase its coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (4–6 September) via a Brunei Darussalam Pavilion featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Cross-border Travel Reality: A look at Limbang’s “go-between” role highlights how Bruneians and Malaysians can move visa-free despite an unresolved border dispute, but foreign visitors may find the multiple crossings confusing. Haze Watch for Borneo: Severe smoke from Indonesian fires is driving hazardous air quality across Malaysian Borneo, with Brunei and the region also at risk—an important heads-up for travellers planning outdoor activities. Thailand Visa Change (for Brunei travellers): From 15 September 2026, Thailand cuts visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for many nationalities, including Brunei, reshaping trip planning for regional visitors.

Brunei Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns 12–13 September at BRIDEX (Jerudong), with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions aimed at boosting both outbound and inbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Tourism Promotion: Brunei will also showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (4–6 September) via a Brunei Darussalam Pavilion, including the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. ASEAN Connectivity Push: MinDA highlighted Mindanao’s readiness to connect with BIMP-EAGA and Asean markets at Sabah International Expo 2026, signaling more cross-border business and travel links for the region. Haze Disruption Across Borneo: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after air pollution hit 521, with hazardous haze affecting parts of Borneo and raising knock-on concerns for Brunei’s travel comfort and outdoor plans. Travel Policy Watch (for Brunei travellers): Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for many nationalities from 15 September, including Brunei passport holders, reshaping regional holiday planning. Hotel & Booking Ecosystem: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com to standardise hotel commissions across 10 ASEAN markets including Brunei, aiming to strengthen tourism-to-accommodation connectivity.

Brunei Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 is set for 12–13 September at BRIDEX (Jerudong), with 90+ booths and Royal Brunei Airlines promotions aimed at boosting both outbound and inbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Tourism Push: Brunei will spotlight its coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (4–6 September) via a Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. ASEAN Hospitality Deals: Jin Jiang Hotels’ Brunei-linked subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com to standardise commissions and build a tourism-plus-accommodation ecosystem across 10 ASEAN markets including Brunei. Visa Watch for Brunei Travellers: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for most nationalities from 15 September, while Brunei passport holders remain on the 60-day allowance. Air Quality Alert (Borneo): Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after haze hit an Air Pollutant Index of 521, with smoke also affecting Brunei and the wider region.

Thailand Visa Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for passport holders from 60 countries and territories starting Sept 15, 2026, with Brunei included on the list; travellers arriving before Sept 15 keep their existing allowance. Regional Tourism Push: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will take part in Malaysia’s Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6), featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow to spotlight coffee, matcha and tourism experiences. ASEAN Hotel Deal: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com to boost travel-and-stay connectivity across 10 ASEAN markets including Brunei, using a more stable commission model. Cross-Border Travel Quirk: A look at Limbang highlights how Brunei–Malaysia border geography can mean multiple crossings for locals and stamp-heavy confusion for visitors. Air Quality Alert: Hazardous haze from Kalimantan wildfires has been affecting parts of Malaysian Borneo and reaching Brunei, with health and outdoor activity impacts.

Thailand Visa Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for passport holders from 60 countries and territories starting 15 Sept 2026, with separate 15-day exemptions for Seychelles and Mauritius and tighter land-entry limits (Brunei is on the 30-day list). Regional Travel Impact: The same policy shift is confirmed across multiple markets, meaning many travellers planning longer Thailand trips will need to adjust plans or seek other entry options. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will take part in Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept) with the Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow, spotlighting coffee, matcha and tourism experiences. ASEAN Hotel Deal: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signs a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to support an ASEAN-wide tourism-and-accommodation ecosystem across 10 countries including Brunei. Cross-Border Context: A report highlights the Limbang border “go-between” effect for Brunei and Malaysia travellers, where moving between districts can involve multiple crossings. Health & Travel Disruption: Hazardous haze from Indonesian fires continues to affect parts of Malaysian Borneo and nearby areas, raising respiratory risks and disrupting outdoor plans.

Thailand Visa Rules: Thailand has officially cut visa-free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for passport holders from 60 countries and territories starting 15 Sept 2026, with land-border entries limited to twice per calendar year (Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt from the land limit). Brunei Angle: Brunei citizens are still included in the 30-day visa-free list, but the long 60-day allowance ends on 14 Sept. Regional Travel Trade: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will take part in Malaysia’s Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept), featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow to push tourism in regional markets. ASEAN Connectivity: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary has signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to expand hotel and booking cooperation across 10 ASEAN markets including Brunei, using a unified fixed commission model. Health & Travel Risk: Hazardous haze from Indonesian fires has worsened air quality across Malaysian Borneo and has also reached Brunei and Singapore, disrupting outdoor plans.

Regional Tourism Promotion: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will take part in Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) with a Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow, bringing coffee/matcha operators, tourism providers and attractions to the Brunei pavilion in Kota Kinabalu. Cross-Border Travel Watch: Thailand will cut visa-free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 nationalities starting Sept 15, while also introducing a 15-day category for Mauritius and Seychelles and tightening land-border entry to twice per calendar year (with some exemptions including Brunei). ASEAN Hospitality Deal: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to expand across 10 ASEAN markets including Brunei, using a unified fixed commission model and co-marketing to boost bookings and occupancy. Air Quality Alert for Travellers: Indonesian Kalimantan haze is affecting parts of the Philippines and has also been reported over Malaysian Borneo, with unhealthy air levels and disruptions to outdoor activities—worth factoring into any Brunei-region travel plans. Diplomacy & Travel Links: Sabah’s chief minister called for deeper Sabah–US cooperation spanning tourism and education during a Freedom 250 reception in Kota Kinabalu.

Brunei Travel & Royals: Royal Brunei’s Boeing 787 was spotted at Malaga Airport in late August, with members of the Bruneian royal family reportedly choosing Spain’s Costa del Sol again for their summer holidays, including favourites like Marbella and Sotogrande. Visa & Regional Travel: Thailand will cut visa-free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for nationals of 60 countries (including Brunei) starting Sept 15, with a separate land-border rule limiting entries to twice per calendar year (except Bruneians and a few others). Health & Travel Disruption: Indonesian haze from Kalimantan is worsening air quality across Malaysian Borneo and has also reached Brunei and Singapore, with hazardous readings reported in Sarawak and respiratory impacts. Brunei Tourism Promotion: Brunei will promote its Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow at the Sabah International Expo in Kota Kinabalu (Sept 4–6), spotlighting coffee, matcha cafés, and tourism experiences. Hospitality Deals: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to expand a “tourism + accommodation” ecosystem across ASEAN, including Brunei, using a unified fixed commission model.