text: The Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam recently introduced the Vietnam Tourism Promotional booth at the Brunei International Airport, an information booth showcasing the country’s culture and heritage.
  During the launch ceremony, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei Tran Anh Vu said that tourism and people-to-people exchange are among the prioritised areas under the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Brunei for 2023- 2027.
  “The number of Vietnamese tourists to Brunei in 2023 almost tripled that of 2022 and is expected to reach the pre-Covid level soon. More Bruneian tourists are coming to Vietnam for holiday and recreational activities,” he said.
  The ambassador also highlighted the encouraging support and cooperation in promoting tourism between both countries, noting the three weekly flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Ho Chi Minh operated by Royal Brunei (RB) Airlines.
  The embassy hopes to host various promotional events to further promote cultural understanding and tourism cooperation.
  “We look forward to the continued support from governmental agencies and partners in Brunei, particularly from the Ministry of Transport and Inforcommunication, RB and travel agencies,” he said.
  He added: “We hope that RB will have fruitful discussions with partner airlines in Vietnam to explore opportunities for cooperation and to bring more tourists and passengers between Vietnam and Brunei as well as between BIMP – EAGA and the Mekong subregions.”
  On his part, RB Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin Hj Abd Hamid the booth is a testament to the growing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Brunei and Vietnam and gives information for travellers to explore the beauty and diversity of Vietnam.
  The CEO noted that it is a country that captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, and the warmth of its people.
  “From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and the ancient charm of Hoi An, Vietnam offers many enriching and unforgettable experiences,” he said.
  RB commenced its flights to Ho Chi Minh City on 17 October 2014, almost a decade ago, added Captain Sabirin.
  “Post-COVID, in September 2022, RB reinstated our flights to Ho Chi Minh City to operate on Thursdays and Sundays after being suspended in April 2020. With the twice-weekly operation, the connectivity to other RB routes was minimal and relied on point-to-point traffic,” he said.
  The captain said that in 2023, the national carrier added one more flight on Tuesdays to accommodate their route demands.
  “Our flight time between Brunei and Vietnam is about 1hr and 45mins only, and our guests can expect a comfortable and enjoyable journey with our award-winning cabin crew,” he said.
  Captain Sabirin underlined the business potential between Brunei and Vietnam as well as for goods and travel experiences given the free visa for tourists.
  THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN