Brunei Darussalam’s tourism sector is showing strong momentum in 2026, with rising visitor arrivals, higher tourism receipts and growing activity across hotels and other tourism-related businesses. The performance is strengthening tourism’s contribution to the country’s efforts to diversify its economy.

Between January and June 2026, Brunei recorded nearly 400,000 visitor arrivals, representing a 7.8 per cent increase from the 370,000 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2025. The strongest growth came from sea arrivals, which increased by almost 70 per cent, highlighting the expanding potential of cruise tourism.

The increase in visitor numbers has also translated into higher tourism spending. Tourism receipts reached an estimated BND158 million during the first six months of 2026, compared with BND140 million during the same period a year earlier. The rise indicates that tourism is generating greater economic value for the country beyond simply increasing visitor numbers.

The hotel industry has also benefited from the growth. Despite the average length of stay declining from around three days to two days, hotel revenue increased by approximately 17 per cent, rising from BND17 million to BND20 million. The government is also monitoring the performance of restaurants, travel agencies and other tourism-related businesses to assess the wider economic benefits generated by visitor activity.

Cruise tourism is emerging as another important growth area. Brunei is expecting the number of cruise ships visiting the country to increase from 15 in 2025 to around 34 in 2026, bringing nearly 65,000 visitors. The expansion is creating opportunities for transport providers, tour guides, restaurants, cultural performers, handicraft producers and other local businesses.

Digital promotion is also helping Brunei reach international travellers. Campaigns conducted with platforms including Agoda, Ctrip, Expedia and Tripadvisor generated more than 52 million impressions, resulting in over 1,800 booked room nights and nearly 600 bookings.

The government is now preparing for Visit Brunei Year 2027, with a strategy focused not simply on attracting more visitors but on high-value tourism. The aim is to encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and distinctive travel experiences.

Brunei’s tourism performance in 2026 therefore offers a positive example of how a growing visitor economy can support wider economic diversification. With international arrivals, tourism receipts and cruise activity all moving upward, the sector is creating new opportunities for businesses and communities while strengthening Brunei’s position as an emerging destination in Southeast Asia.