AGP Executive Report

Border Travel Simplified: Malaysia and Brunei are streamlining immigration at checkpoints to make trips between Sabah/Sarawak and Brunei smoother, with technical committees now focused on the best way to ease cross-border travel; Visa-Free Travel Boost: China expanded its 10-day (240-hour) visa-free transit for nationals of 57 countries, adding Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan from Aug 20, with eligible travellers able to use 65 ports and stay up to 10 days on confirmed onward journeys; Air Connectivity for Tourism: AirBorneo is growing its Asian network, including a Kuching–Jeju link and continued expansion after launching Kuching–Singapore, aiming to strengthen Sarawak’s position as a Borneo tourism gateway; Regional Tourism & Hotels: Perlis plans to explore collaboration with Brunei and Bangkok to boost border tourism and attract investors, including for five-star hotel development near Padang Besar; Food & Local Dining: Yin Yang Café launched “Yin Yang Café 3.0,” refreshing its dining space and menu in Batu Bersurat.

Visa-Free Travel Boost: China expanded its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit programme to 57 nationalities, effective Aug 20, adding Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, with eligibility tied to genuine onward travel to a third destination. Hainan Entry Update: The same move also supports visa-free entry to Hainan for Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam for up to 30 days (with onward tickets), while work and study still require proper visas. Air Connectivity for Tourism: AirBorneo outlined plans to grow its Asian network from Kuching, including routes to Jakarta, Bangkok and Jeju, building on its Singapore launch and Sarawak’s push to position Borneo as a tourism gateway. Regional Border Tourism Ideas: Perlis is exploring collaboration with Brunei and Bangkok to strengthen border tourism and attract investment, including plans for five-star hotels and a motorsport circuit near the Thai border. Trade & Travel Industry Signals: WTM London 2026 reports strong early exhibitor demand, with Brunei among new confirmed exhibitors, as space tightens for the Nov 3–5 event. Brunei Link in the News Cycle: Emirates’ Singapore-Brunei country manager highlighted ongoing UAE travel sales efforts, pointing to continued demand for regional connections.

China Travel Policy: China expanded its 240-hour visa-free transit programme for 57 nationalities, letting eligible travellers stay up to 10 days while transiting to a third destination; Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam were added effective Aug 20, covering 65 ports across 24 provinces. Regional Air Connectivity: AirBorneo is mapping further Asian growth from Kuching, with new links including Jakarta, Bangkok and Jeju, building on its July 22 Kuching–Singapore launch and Sarawak’s tourism push. Brunei Neighbourhood Tourism Links: Perlis plans to explore tourism and investment ties with Brunei and Bangkok, including seeking investors for five-star hotels near Padang Besar and using a planned motorsport circuit to draw sports visitors. Hotel Updates in Borneo: Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of a hotel-wide refurbishment, with completion targeted for mid-2027, while reporting stronger demand from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and more. Visa News Beyond Brunei: Colombia and Israel will lift reciprocal visa requirements from Sept 1, signalling a diplomatic reset. Airline Route Watch: British Airways plans to restart its London–Dubai service on Nov 3 (daily, with reduced capacity) after a pause linked to the Iran conflict.

Border Tourism & Investment: Perlis plans to collaborate with Brunei and Bangkok to boost border tourism, including seeking investors for a five-star hotel—especially around Padang Besar—and developing a motorsport circuit that could draw sports travellers from Thailand and beyond. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Mindanao’s MinDA says BIMP-Eaga is accelerating into a real trade and investment corridor, urging stronger business-to-business networks across the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines growth area. Travel Industry Watch: Emirates is running a Dubai familiarisation trip for Singapore travel trade partners, with country manager for Singapore and Brunei highlighting deeper market engagement. Tourism Events: WTM London reports strong early exhibitor demand for 2026, with Brunei listed among destinations already confirmed. Air & Hotel Demand Signals: Pullman Kuching says its refurbishment is progressing and expects AirBorneo to improve regional access, citing stronger demand from Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.

Hotel & Tourism Development: Perlis (Malaysia) says it will explore collaboration with Brunei and Bangkok to boost border tourism and attract investors, including plans for a five-star hotel push in areas like Padang Besar, plus a nearby motorsport circuit aimed at drawing Thai and international visitors. Regional Connectivity & Business Travel: Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of a hotel refurbishment, with completion targeted for mid-2027, and reports stronger demand from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and other markets—while expecting AirBorneo to improve access for leisure and events travel. Travel Trade & Destination Marketing: WTM London 2026 is seeing strong early exhibitor demand, with Brunei listed among new confirmed destination exhibitors, as organizers say space is tightening ahead of the Nov 3–5 event. Air Travel Links: Emirates hosted Singapore travel trade partners on a Dubai familiarisation trip, with the airline highlighting its daily Singapore–Dubai services and its country manager for Singapore and Brunei. Cross-Border Growth (BIMP-Eaga): MinDA and partners held a forum on unlocking private sector potential across BARMM and BIMP-Eaga, stressing that businesses must turn government plans into real trade and investment flows. Halal Tourism Push: Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa province is stepping up a Halal ecosystem strategy, targeting Muslim travellers and promoting Halal-friendly hotels, food, and tourism packages—explicitly including Brunei as a key market. Brunei Mention in Travel Context: A US State Department list of countries requiring consular notification after arrests includes Brunei, relevant for travellers’ awareness of consular procedures.

Hotel & Events: Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of its hotel-wide refurbishment, with remaining guestrooms, suites and the Executive Lounge due by mid-2027, while demand is already picking up from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, China, Australia and Europe. Retail & Travel Lifestyle: NBT Brunei’s Toyota ‘Best in Town’ showcase runs Aug 12–16 at The Atrium, The Mall Gadong, featuring popular models and tied to the ‘Fuel Your Vacation’ rewards campaign. Food & Local Culture: Yin Yang Café in Batu Bersurat has launched “Yin Yang Café 3.0,” adding a redesigned outdoor dining space and an evolving menu. Halal Tourism Push (Regional): Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa province is building a Halal ecosystem to attract Muslim travellers, with plans spanning Halal-certified food production, logistics, and investment in Halal-compliant hotels and attractions. Travel Costs Watch: Disclosures show Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese spent over $4m on travel in the last financial year, including official trips to Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. Tourism Trade: WTM London 2026 reports strong early exhibitor demand, with Brunei among destinations already confirmed as new exhibitors. Immigration Update (China): China’s new entry/exit rules take effect Sept 15, raising the stakes for travellers to ensure their stated purpose and documents match.

Halal Tourism Push: Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa province is laying groundwork for a Halal economy to attract Muslim travellers, banking on its year-round sunshine, 500km of coastline, nearly 200 islands and a full menu of beach, cruise, water sports, wellness and culture experiences. Hotel Upgrade Watch: Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of a hotel-wide refurbishment, with completion targeted for mid-2027, and says demand is already strengthening from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, China, Australia and parts of Europe. Brunei-Linked Travel Signals: A US State Department list of countries requiring mandatory consular notification when citizens are arrested includes Brunei—useful for travellers and operators planning risk-aware itineraries. Regional Travel Disruption: Wildfire haze from Indonesia’s El Niño-driven dry season is forcing school closures in Pontianak (Borneo) and has also hit Malaysia’s Sarawak, with major tourist areas in Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park closed to visitors. Trade & Travel Costs: Maersk has raised peak season container surcharges for imports into Maldives and Sri Lanka, with Brunei listed among affected origins—another reminder that logistics costs can ripple into travel and tourism supply chains. Travel Trade Calendar: WTM London 2026 reports strong early exhibitor demand, with Brunei among confirmed new exhibitors. Food Franchise Expansion: Korean restaurant and cafe brands are accelerating into Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Laos and Brunei, as competition heats up beyond Vietnam. Local Consumer Tourism Tie-in: NBT Brunei’s Toyota “Best in Town” roadshow runs Aug 12–16 at The Mall Gadong, paired with a “Fuel Your Vacation” rewards campaign.

WTM London 2026: Brunei is among the new exhibitors confirmed for WTM London (Nov 3–5), with organisers citing strong early demand and tightening exhibition space. Hotel Update (Kuching): Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of its refurbishment, with remaining guestrooms and the Executive Lounge targeted for mid-2027, and demand noted from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and others. Brunei Retail/Travel Lifestyle: NBT Brunei’s Toyota “Best in Town” roadshow runs Aug 12–16 at The Mall Gadong, tied to a “Fuel Your Vacation” rewards campaign. Regional Food & Dining (Brunei link): Korean franchise expansion is reaching Southeast Asia including Brunei, with brands like Lotteria, Ediya Coffee and Paris Baguette pushing into new markets. Cross-border Travel Watch (China): China’s new entry/exit rules take effect Sept 15, raising the stakes for travellers to ensure their stated purpose and documents match. Regional Disruption (Borneo haze): Wildfire smoke and haze in Indonesia’s Borneo region have led to school closures and air-quality warnings that could affect travel comfort across Malaysia and Brunei.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei targets about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in tourism revenue, with around 400,000 arrivals recorded in the first half of 2026 (up 7.8% year-on-year), as officials push a “high-value, high-return” approach that encourages longer stays and more local spending. Regional Travel & Trade Links: BIMP-Eaga was highlighted as a growth corridor for Mindanao, with business leaders pointing to halal goods, food processing, fisheries and renewable energy as areas that could boost regional expansion and investment. Tourism Business Pipeline: WTM London 2026 says early exhibitor demand is strong, with new and returning exhibitors including Brunei among confirmed destinations, as organisers report limited space for the Nov 3–5 event. Cross-border Disruption Risk: Wildfire smoke and haze in Indonesia (including Borneo) has led to school closures and unhealthy air readings in parts of Malaysia, a reminder for travellers to watch local air-quality advisories. Brunei-Linked Mobility/Connectivity: Hong Kong’s new autonomous vehicle trial and related transport updates underscore the wider push for smarter travel experiences across major hubs.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei is targeting around 1 million tourists and about B$630 million in tourism revenue, with roughly 400,000 arrivals recorded in the first half of 2026—up 7.8% year-on-year—while stressing a shift toward higher-value, longer-staying visitors. WTM London 2026: The World Travel Market in London is reporting strong early exhibitor demand for Nov 3–5, with Brunei among the destinations already confirmed, as organisers say space is tightening. Regional travel links: Hong Kong opened its Kuala Lumpur Economic and Trade Office, covering Malaysia, Brunei, Laos and Pakistan—an ASEAN-focused move that could support travel and business ties. Cross-border haze risk: Wildfires in Indonesia are driving unhealthy smoke into parts of Malaysia and the wider region, with schools shut in affected areas—an important heads-up for travellers planning around Borneo and nearby routes. Tourism-adjacent travel demand: Pullman Kuching’s hotel refurbishment is nearing completion (mid-2027 target) and the property is seeing stronger demand from Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei is aiming for around 1 million tourists and about B$630 million in tourism revenue, after recording roughly 400,000 arrivals in the first half of 2026—up 7.8% year-on-year—while pushing a higher-value tourism strategy that boosts longer stays and local spending. Air Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding a Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul route via Kuala Lumpur (effective 7 Aug 2026), giving travellers another gateway to Türkiye, Europe and the Middle East—and more reasons for international visitors to discover Brunei during Visit Brunei 2027. Regional Travel Trade: WTM London 2026 is reporting strong early exhibitor demand, with Brunei listed among destinations already confirmed for the November 3–5 event, as exhibition space tightens. Hotel Update (nearby): Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of its refurbishment, with demand noted from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and others—good news for cross-border leisure and business travel. Mobility & Travel Tech (regional): Hong Kong approved a pilot autonomous vehicle trial linking West Kowloon and Kowloon stations, part of efforts to improve transport experiences in busy hubs.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei is targeting around 1 million tourists and about B$630 million in tourism revenue, with roughly 400,000 arrivals logged in the first half of 2026 and a 7.8% rise year-on-year, as the country pushes high-value, longer-stay travel that keeps spending circulating locally. Aviation Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul option via Kuala Lumpur from 7 Aug 2026, boosting access to Europe, the Middle East and beyond—plus more reasons for international visitors to plan a Brunei stop. Regional Tourism Context: Southeast Asia is also dealing with travel disruption risks as Indonesia wildfire smoke forces school closures and worsens haze across parts of Borneo (shared with Brunei and Malaysia), a reminder that air quality can quickly affect comfort and plans. ASEAN Tourism & Trade Backdrop: Malaysia marked 59 years of ASEAN and reiterated the bloc’s central role, while Hong Kong opened new economic and trade offices covering Brunei, supporting the wider regional movement of people and business travel.

Air Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul route via Kuala Lumpur (effective 7 Aug), giving travellers another gateway to Türkiye, Europe and the Middle East. Tourism Targets: Brunei is aiming for around 1 million tourist arrivals and about B$630 million in tourism revenue during Visit Brunei Year 2027, with roughly 400,000 arrivals already logged in the first half of 2026 and a push toward higher-value, longer-stay visitors. Hotel Update: Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of its refurbishment, with remaining guestrooms, suites and the Executive Lounge targeted for completion by mid-2027, while demand is rising from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and more. Regional Travel Context: Indonesia’s wildfire haze is disrupting travel and daily life across the region, with schools closed in parts of Borneo and major tourist areas like Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park shut to visitors. ASEAN & Business Links: ASEAN Day events highlighted regional cooperation, while BIMP-Eaga and other cross-border business forums continue to position Southeast Asia as a trade and investment corridor.

Brunei Tourism Targets 2027: Brunei has set a goal of about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in tourism revenue for Visit Brunei Year 2027, with around 400,000 arrivals already recorded in the first half of 2026 and a 7.8% rise year-on-year, as officials push a high-value, longer-stay tourism strategy that keeps spending circulating locally. Air Connectivity Boost: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul route via Kuala Lumpur from 7 Aug 2026, giving travellers more options and supporting the upcoming Visit Brunei 2027 campaign. Regional Travel Disruption Watch: Across the region, Indonesia’s El Niño-linked wildfires are worsening haze, with schools closed in parts of Borneo—a reminder for travellers to monitor air quality and plan flexibly. Hotel Upgrade Update: Pullman Kuching is in the final phase of its refurbishment, with completion targeted for mid-2027, and early demand noted from Brunei and other regional markets.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei is aiming for about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in tourism revenue, with around 400,000 arrivals already logged in the first half of 2026—plus a push for “high-value, high-return” travel that keeps spending circulating locally. Air Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding an extra Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul option via Kuala Lumpur to open up more routes for leisure and business travellers. Regional Travel Context: A worsening El Niño-linked wildfire haze in Indonesia is forcing school closures and disrupting travel conditions across parts of Borneo, with smoke also affecting Malaysia—an important reminder for regional visitors planning cross-border trips. Tourism Infrastructure & PPP: Brunei highlighted public-private partnership work supporting renewable energy and tourism infrastructure, including a solar plant under construction and improved port operations at Muara. Regional Business Links: Mindanao’s MinBizCon spotlighted BIMP-Eaga as a trade corridor, pointing to halal goods, food processing, fisheries and renewable energy—signals of future visitor and investment flows across the wider Brunei-linked region.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei is targeting around 1 million tourists and about B$630 million in tourism revenue, with roughly 400,000 arrivals recorded in the first half of 2026 and a 7.8% rise year-on-year, as officials push a “high-value, high-return” strategy that encourages longer stays and more local spending. Aviation & connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding a Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul route via Kuala Lumpur from 7 August 2026, giving travellers another gateway to Europe, the Middle East and beyond—plus more reasons for international visitors to plan a Brunei stop. Regional tourism links: Brunei also continues to back cross-border growth through public-private partnership projects, including renewable energy and port efficiency upgrades that can support tourism infrastructure and maritime access. Travel risk watch: Haze from Indonesia’s El Niño-linked wildfires is disrupting travel conditions across the region, with schools closed in parts of Borneo and major tourist areas in Indonesia shut—something Brunei visitors may want to monitor before booking.