Monday, April 10, 2006

Tourists expected to pour in for Brunei's Sultan's 60th birthday


By Achong Tanjong

Tourist arrivals in the country is expected to increase in conjunction with His Majesty's 60th birthday celebration this year. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness many grand events lined up for the occasion.

The celebration will complement initiatives to boost tourist arrivals in the country, which recorded encouraging figures last year compared to previous years.

Tourism players including hotels, restaurants and travel agencies are now busy with their promotional packages to attract foreign tourists into the country.

One of the events expected to be a crowd puller is the Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo 2006 (BIT 2006), which is held not only for the benefit of the local audience but also for the thousands of tourists expected to flock in during the celebration.

BIT 2006 is a colourful extravaganza incorporating music and military performances. Over 1,100 military musicians and performers are expected to participate. The three-day show will be held from July 29 till 31 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

Countries expected to participate in the event are host country Brunei Darussalam, Australia, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, as in previous years, there will also be nightly stalls and stage performances showcasing not only modern songs and dances but also traditional Brunei songs and cultural dances throughout each district.

Each of Brunei's four districts have also come up with their own activities to boost arrivals of both foreign and local visitors.

The nightly stalls are a major attraction during the celebration, where visitors can find various items such as handicrafts, souvenirs, local traditional foods and cakes, clothing, materials and much more.

The occasion allows foreign visitors to get a taste of local festivities while witnessing Brunei's celebration style.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

No comments: