AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, with the inaugural flight from Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept 30 and a plan to start with charter services before moving to scheduled flights—boosting links to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and supporting tourism, business travel and family visits. Tourism Growth: Brunei’s China air arrivals climbed from about 39,000 (2024) to 45,858 (2025), and officials say direct flights plus visa-free entry for eligible Chinese passport holders (up to 14 days) can help drive more short-break holidays. Airline Experience: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity across its Asia-Pacific network. Events in the Region: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 Dec in Miri city centre, with tickets due to go on sale 3 Oct. Travel Policy Watch: Qatar and Oman published a joint tourist visa list (including Brunei) for eligible nationalities, issued on arrival for 30 days with an option to extend.

Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route (started Sept 29), initially chartering then moving to scheduled flights, aiming to strengthen Brunei–China tourism and access to China’s wider network; Brunei also reported rising China air arrivals (39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025). In-Flight Experience Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity for A320neo operations across Asia-Pacific. Festival Spotlight (Borneo): Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre, with Pullman Miri Waterfront as official venue and tickets going on sale 3 October. Brunei Tourism Events & Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair wrapped up with booking growth (up 16%) and ticketing transactions rising (up 15%) year-on-year. Regional Travel Context: Qatar and Oman published a joint tourist visa list (37 countries) for 30 days on arrival, while Germany outlined Schengen visa fee waivers for specific family categories.

Aviation & Connectivity: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have finished rolling out the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing reliable connectivity to all A320neo aircraft in Asia-Pacific routes. Air Links & Tourism Growth: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route (starting Sept 29), initially on a charter basis then moving toward scheduled flights, aiming to boost China–Brunei travel as Shenzhen prepares for major international meetings and Brunei pushes Visit Brunei 2027. Tourism Demand Signals: Brunei reported rising China arrivals by air—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—and cited direct flights plus short visa-free access as key to attracting more short-break visitors. Events in Brunei’s Region: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre, with stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia. Service Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala. Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with the first flight landing at Brunei International Airport on Sept 29; the service starts on a charter basis (four flights weekly for three months) before moving to scheduled flights (three weekly), aiming to boost short-break travel and reconnect Brunei with southern China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Visitor Demand Snapshot: Brunei recorded about 39,000 China air arrivals in 2024 and 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%); as of Aug 2026, arrivals from China reached 28,657, with officials pointing to direct connectivity and visa-free entry (up to 14 days for eligible Chinese ordinary passport holders) as key drivers. Airline Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean, its fifth win since 2020. Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year. Regional Culture Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors over three days, strengthening the Borneo arts-and-culture tourism circuit that also includes Brunei.

New Air Link to China: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen route from Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept 29, initially chartering four flights a week before moving to three scheduled services, aiming to revive direct China connectivity for tourism and short breaks. Tourism Demand Signals: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025—and officials say direct flights plus visa-free access for eligible Chinese passport holders (up to 14 days) can support tailored holiday packages. Aviation Service Spotlight: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean, marking a fifth win since 2020 and reinforcing its hospitality brand. Travel Trade Boost: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with booking growth (+16%) and ticketing transactions up (+15%) versus last year, with major airline and banking partners backing the event. Regional Culture Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, positioning the island as a Borneo arts and culture hub. Brunei-Linked Mobility Context: Brunei ranked 18th in the 2026 Passport Index, with a mobility score of 154—useful backdrop for travellers planning regional trips.

New Air Link: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen flight, officially starting a new round-trip service with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and initial operations four times weekly—an air bridge to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Tourism Demand Signals: Brunei shared that China air arrivals rose from about 39,000 (2024) to 45,858 (2025), up 17.6%, with 28,657 recorded as of August 2026—direct flights plus visa-free access (up to 14 days for eligible Chinese ordinary passport holders) are expected to support short-break and holiday travel, including tailored packages for Shenzhen and southern China. Service Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026” at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala, marking its fifth win since 2020 and reinforcing its hospitality brand. Regional Culture & Travel: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, strengthening Labuan’s push as a Borneo arts, culture and heritage tourism hub. Travel Policy Watch: Australia expanded its Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream for regular travellers from Brunei and other listed countries, offering long-stay multiple-entry access for tourism and business.

Aviation & Hospitality: Royal Brunei Airlines has been named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 in the Maldives, marking its fifth win since 2020 and highlighting its “heartfelt Bruneian hospitality.” Travel Access (Brunei in the mix): Qatar has published a list of 37 countries eligible for a joint Qatar–Oman tourist visa on arrival (30 days, multiple entries, extendable by 30 days for a fee), with Brunei included. Regional Mobility (Brunei travellers): Australia’s Frequent Traveller Stream for Visitor visa (subclass 600) is open to Brunei citizens, offering up to 10 years validity with multiple entries (each visit capped at 3 months) for tourism or business. Tourism Trade & Events: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year, plus grand-prize draws for attendees. Culture & Tourism: Borneo Arts Festival 2026 in Labuan drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, strengthening Labuan’s push as a Borneo arts and culture hub with participation from Brunei and across the region.

Brunei Travel Mobility: Brunei is ranked 18th globally in the 2026 Passport Index, with a mobility score of 154, while UAE tops the list and Singapore/Malaysia tie for second—useful context for Brunei travellers planning visa-light trips. Airline Service Spotlight: Royal Brunei Airlines won “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026” for the fifth time since 2020 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala in the Maldives, reinforcing its hospitality brand. Visa Convenience for Bruneians: Qatar and Oman launched a joint tourist visa for 37 countries (including Brunei), issued on arrival for 30 days with multiple entries and an option to extend by another 30 days for a fee. Regional Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors in three days, with cross-border participation from Brunei and across Borneo—good momentum for arts-led travel. Brunei-Linked Mobility for the Region: Australia’s Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream lists Brunei among eligible nationalities, offering long-stay multiple-entry access for frequent travellers. Local Travel Industry Update: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 concluded with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year, signalling stronger demand for travel planning and deals. New Electrified SUV in Brunei: MG HS PHEV launched in Brunei at the Borneo Kustom Show, adding an electrified SUV option with up to 120km electric range (WLTP).

Airline Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 for a fifth time since 2020 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala in the Maldives, reinforcing its service reputation and Brunei hospitality. Regional Travel Access: Qatar published a Qatar–Oman joint tourist visa list covering 37 countries (including Brunei), issued on arrival for 30 days with a possible 30-day extension for a fee. Brunei in the Spotlight: CNN highlighted Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan, the historic stilt settlement home to thousands, as a living cultural travel draw. Tourism & Culture Events: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, with international participation and arts programming aimed at boosting Borneo’s culture tourism. Local Travel Industry: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with reported booking growth (up 16%) and ticketing transactions rising (up 15%) year-on-year. Mobility for Visitors: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) launched in Brunei at The Borneo Kustom Show, adding an electrified SUV option for road trips.

Visa Boost for Brunei Travelers: Qatar and Oman have published a joint tourist visa list that includes Brunei, letting eligible travellers get a single on-arrival visa valid for 30 days with multiple entries, and extend for another 30 days for a fee. Brunei-Linked Mobility: Australia’s Frequent Traveller Stream (Visitor visa subclass 600) is open to Brunei citizens, offering long-term multiple-entry travel (up to 10 years) for frequent tourism or business trips, with each visit capped at 3 months. Local Tourism & Events: Sabre Travel Network Brunei wrapped its 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair, reporting bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year. Culture Spotlight: The Borneo Arts Festival 2026 in Labuan drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, strengthening Labuan’s push as a regional arts and culture tourism hub. New Travel Tech/Transport Angle: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) launched in Brunei at the Borneo Kustom Show, adding an electrified SUV option with up to 120km electric range. Regional Travel Context: Thailand’s visa exemption rules changed from Sept 15, 2026, with a standard 30-day limit for eligible passport holders—important for regional planning.

Visa & Entry Updates: Qatar says Brunei is among 37 countries eligible for a joint Qatar–Oman tourist visa on arrival, valid for 30 days with a paid 30-day extension; China also published visa-free lists, including 50 countries for up to 30 days and 55 for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit to a third country. Brunei Travel & Events: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year, plus grand prizes for lucky attendees. Culture Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors in three days, strengthening Labuan’s push as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub. Regional Mobility & Tourism Links: Malaysia joins a multinational UNESCO bid to nominate zapin for the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a dossier due by March 31, 2027. Local Lifestyle & Travel Tech: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) made its Brunei debut at The Borneo Kustom Show, adding another electrified SUV option for road trips and longer travel.

Borneo Arts Festival (Labuan): Labuan’s 13th Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026 pulled in over 30,000 visitors across three days, with Deputy Minister Datuk Lo Su Fui saying the turnout shows arts and culture’s strong pull for both locals and tourists from across Brunei, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Indonesia and the Philippines. Travel & Culture Tourism: The festival’s mix of major programmes, fashion showcases, stage performances, workshops and a street food bazaar is positioning Labuan as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub. Brunei-China ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events including “My Dream” performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, drawing more than 1,100 attendees. Local visitor draw: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with grand prizes and reported booking growth (up 16%) and ticketing transactions (up 15%) year-on-year. Mobility for visitors: Australia’s Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream is open to Brunei citizens, offering multiple entries and up to 10-year validity (with each visit capped at 3 months). Regional travel context: Thailand’s visa-exemption rules tightened from 60 to 30 days for many passport holders from 15 Sept 2026, so travellers are urged to check by passport before booking.

New Car Launch in Brunei: Premier Motor Co has officially launched the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) at The Borneo Kustom Show in Bridex, pairing a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 220kW/350Nm, plus a 24.7kWh battery offering up to 120km electric range (WLTP) and fuel use as low as 0.7L/100km. Arts & Culture Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 (Sept 25–27) is positioning the island as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub, with performances, competitions, fashion showcases, workshops, handicrafts and a street food bazaar. Brunei Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with grand prizes, reporting bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year. Regional Travel Policy Watch: Thailand’s visa exemption rules tightened from Sept 15, 2026, with the standard visa-free stay reduced to 30 days for eligible passport holders, while other nationalities face different tiers. China Transit Updates: China rolled out a 240-hour visa-free transit option for citizens of 55 countries, allowing up to 10 days in China when travelling onward to a third country. Brunei-China Cultural Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events including “My Dream” performances and a Brunei China Food Festival. Tourism-Linked Mobility: Australia expanded its Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream (subclass 600) for regular travellers, including Brunei, with multiple-entry benefits for tourism and business.

Brunei–Thailand travel rules: Thailand’s visa-exemption overhaul from Sept 15, 2026 cuts the old 60-day scheme to 30 days for eligible passport holders, with entry now depending on nationality and even whether you arrived before the change. Labuan arts tourism: The Borneo Arts Festival 2026 (Sept 25–27) is positioning Labuan as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub, with performances, competitions, workshops, handicrafts and a street food bazaar. Brunei–China cultural ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events including “My Dream” performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, drawing 1,100+ attendees. Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026: Sabre Travel Network Brunei wrapped its 21st fair with reported booking growth of 16% and ticketing transactions up 15%, plus grand-prize draws at Mutiara Skyline. EV logistics push (regional, travel-relevant): Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, supporting smoother regional mobility and greener travel logistics. ASEAN cultural heritage bid: Malaysia joins Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore to nominate zapin for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a dossier due by March 31, 2027. Tourism-adjacent policy: Australia’s Frequent Traveller Stream (subclass 600) is open to Brunei citizens, with a 10-year option and up to 3-month stays per visit.

Brunei-Linked Travel & Visas: Australia expanded its Frequent Traveller Stream (Visitor visa subclass 600) for Brunei citizens, offering multiple entries and up to 10 years validity (each visit capped at 3 months), plus study and approved volunteer tourism options. Regional Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival (Sept 25–27) is positioning the island as a Borneo arts, culture and heritage hub, with performances, competitions, workshops, handicrafts and a street food bazaar. Brunei-China Cultural Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events including “My Dream” performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, plus a strategic cooperation agreement. Travel Industry Buzz: Sabre Travel Network Brunei wrapped up its 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair with reported booking growth (+16%) and ticketing transactions (+15%), awarding grand prizes to lucky attendees. Sustainability in Logistics: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, scaling an electric fleet that supports greener delivery targets—relevant for regional travel and supply chains.

Festival Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 (Sept 25–27) is positioning the island as a Borneo arts, culture and heritage hub, with stage shows, dance and music competitions, fashion showcases, interactive workshops (handicrafts, batik, painting), and a street food bazaar. Travel Deals & Incentives: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with grand prize draws, reporting bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year. Brunei Connections: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic ties with cultural exchange events in Brunei, including “My Dream” performances and a Brunei China Food Festival. Regional Mobility Watch: Australia expanded its Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream for Brunei citizens, offering up to 10-year validity (with visit caps), while Thailand’s visa-exemption rules tightened from Sept 15, 2026 to 30 days for eligible passport holders. Culture Heritage (Region): Malaysia joined Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore in a multinational bid to nominate zapin for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inscription. Sustainability in Travel Logistics: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, scaling electric logistics across Malaysia—useful context for greener regional travel and transport.