Vietnam Eyes $493M Tourism Revenue with High-Value Strategy

Southeast Asia's second-richest nation eyes $493M in tourism revenue next year Speaking at a Legislative Council meeting, Haji Abdul Manaf Metussin, coordinating minister of economic policies and minister of economy, trade and industry, said Brunei recorded about 400,000 tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 7.8% from the same period last year, Xinhua News Agency reported. The strongest growth came from sea arrivals, which rose by nearly 70%, underscoring the growing potential of Brunei’s cruise tourism sector. A market near the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei. Photo by AFP Haji Abdul Manaf said the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is continuing to develop tourism in line with the Brunei Economic Blueprint and the Brunei Tourism Industry Roadmap 2024-2035. He said Brunei’s strategy goes beyond increasing visitor numbers, instead focusing on high-value tourism that encourages longer stays, higher spending and greater use of local products and services, helping keep tourism revenue within the country. Visit Brunei Year 2027 is a year-long celebration held in conjunction with the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, according to Brunei Tourism's website. Brunei recorded 763,375 total visitor arrivals in 2025, marking a 12.6% growth compared to 2024. Subsidiary of VnExpress License number: 71/GP-CBC, Ministry of Information andCommunications, September 22, 2021 Editor-in-Chief: Pham Van Hieu Email: [email protected]: 028 7300 9999 - Ext 8556 10th floor, Block A FPT Tower, 10 Pham Van Bach, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi