Brunei Darussalam Paves the Path to Sustainable Tourism with Groundbreaking Data and Measurement Workshop for Asia-Pacific Countries: What new updates you need to know?

Published on November 22, 2025

In Brunei Darussalam, a significant initiative has been launched to advance the sustainable development of tourism across the Asia-Pacific region. As a leading destination for sustainable tourism, Brunei has brought together over 100 participants from 11 UN Tourism Member States for a ground-breaking workshop in Bandar Seri Begawan. This event focused on the essential role of data and statistics in shaping the future of tourism in the region. The Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism has emphasized the importance of accurate data in developing tourism strategies that benefit both local communities and the environment. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Brunei is taking steps to ensure that tourism growth aligns with sustainability goals and delivers long-term benefits to its citizens and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The Significance of Brunei’s Role in Sustainable Tourism

Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo, is a small but highly impactful nation that has long been a champion of sustainable development. With its rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and commitment to preserving its environment, Brunei has become a model for sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia. Hosting the Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism not only showcases Brunei’s leadership in this area but also positions the country as a key player in driving tourism policies that integrate economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The country’s tourism sector is built on principles of sustainability, ensuring that its natural resources are preserved while providing enriching experiences for visitors. This workshop provided a unique opportunity for national tourism authorities, statistics offices, and tourism experts from across the region to gather and learn how to use integrated tourism data systems to measure the sustainability of tourism and make data-driven decisions. By focusing on data-driven policymaking, Brunei is paving the way for a future where tourism can thrive while respecting local communities and the environment.

Workshop Overview: A Platform for Knowledge and Cooperation

Held from 18–20 November 2025, the Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism took place in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei Darussalam. This event was organized by UN Tourism and hosted by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in high-level dialogues, technical sessions, and practical workshops that explored the intersection of tourism sustainability and data collection. Attendees included representatives from National Tourism Authorities, National Statistics Offices, and other key institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.

The workshop’s agenda included a deep dive into various measurement frameworks for assessing the sustainability of tourism. These frameworks include the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), which tracks the economic contributions of tourism, and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), which measures the environmental impacts of tourism activities. The workshop also focused on Tourism Employment, examining how to measure the impact of tourism on local jobs and assessing how communities perceive the benefits and challenges of tourism in their regions.

Key Takeaways: Strengthening Data Capacity in Asia-Pacific

The workshop provided critical insights into how countries across the Asia-Pacific region can use tourism data to enhance destination management and policymaking. Some of the key takeaways include:

• Improved Institutional Coordination: The workshop emphasized the importance of better collaboration between tourism authorities and statistics offices to ensure that data collection processes are consistent and reliable across nations.
• Integrated Information Systems: A significant focus was placed on the development of integrated information systems that can bring together various types of data, including economic, social, and environmental data, for more holistic decision-making in tourism planning.
• Sustainable Tourism Indicators: Discussions also highlighted the need for the development of new sustainability indicators that can accurately reflect the balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation.

These learnings will allow countries in the region to not only measure tourism’s impacts but also tailor policies that are more aligned with sustainability goals. By using evidence-based data, policymakers can ensure that tourism continues to be a driver of economic growth without compromising the well-being of local communities or the environment.

Brunei’s Role in Regional Tourism Cooperation

Brunei Darussalam’s role as the host of the workshop is a testament to the country’s growing influence in regional tourism cooperation. The workshop underscored Brunei’s commitment to building a sustainable tourism model that benefits both locals and tourists. As the region’s tourism sector continues to grow, the sustainability of tourism will be increasingly important to avoid the pitfalls of overtourism, which has negatively impacted many popular destinations around the world.

Through initiatives like the Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism, Brunei is strengthening its role as a leader in Asia-Pacific tourism development. The workshop’s success reflects the country’s dedication to using data and research to create sustainable tourism practices that will benefit the entire region. By fostering peer learning and regional cooperation, Brunei is positioning itself as a key contributor to the sustainable tourism movement in Asia and the Pacific.

The Role of Data in Shaping Sustainable Tourism Policies

One of the most pressing issues discussed at the workshop was the need to improve data governance within tourism. As tourism grows, the need for accurate, reliable, and integrated data becomes more critical in guiding decision-making. Proper data governance ensures that tourism policies are based on concrete evidence, allowing governments to measure the impacts of tourism and adjust policies accordingly.

The use of data-driven approaches in tourism management allows governments and organizations to monitor progress toward sustainability goals. Whether assessing the economic benefits of tourism, tracking carbon footprints, or measuring the well-being of host communities, data provides the foundation for more effective and sustainable tourism strategies.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Brunei and Beyond

Looking to the future, Brunei Darussalam remains committed to integrating sustainability at every level of its tourism sector. The country is poised to continue its leadership in promoting sustainable practices across the Asia-Pacific region, not only through data capacity building but also by emphasizing the role of local communities in tourism development. As more destinations in the region adopt sustainable practices, Brunei’s example will serve as a model for other nations looking to align tourism growth with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The workshop held in Bandar Seri Begawan is just one example of how Brunei is leading the way in advancing sustainable tourism. As the tourism industry evolves, it will be essential for countries to continue leveraging data and research to ensure that tourism remains a force for good—delivering benefits to both visitors and host communities while preserving the natural environment for future generations.

In Conclusion: Brunei’s Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Measurement

Through the Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism, Brunei Darussalam has taken a crucial step towards improving the measurement and management of tourism sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region. By enhancing data capacity, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting evidence-based policies, Brunei is setting an example for how nations can integrate economic, social, and environmental sustainability into their tourism strategies. As the global tourism sector continues to grow, the lessons learned from this workshop will be pivotal in shaping a future where tourism benefits everyone—visitors, residents, and the environment.