Initiating Brunei Cross-Border Tourism (BCBT) as a Gateway to Borneo

Abstract

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, sharing three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. There is rarely research conducted for cross-border tourism (CBT) in Borneo. The study examines tourism development in Borneo then assesses potentials and challenges associated with Brunei-CBT as gateway to tourism in Borneo. A qualitative approach has been deployed focusing on advantages and challenges associated with Brunei as gateway for CBT in the Borneo Island. The analysis has shown that there is great potential in CBT for mobility and connectivity of people, goods, and services in Brunei-CBT's initiative. Brunei-CBT (BCBT) will trigger Brunei's economic shifting from an oil-based country to a service-based economy. Identified challenges mainly concern political support and willingness among participating countries, which may lead to barriers for connecting Borneo through CBT development.