Brunei Launches Nakhoda Digital Platform to Enhance Tourism

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – In a significant move to modernize its tourism sector, Brunei has officially launched Nakhoda, a digital platform aimed at simplifying travel planning and booking for visitors. The launch took place during the Nakhoda Compass 2026 event, presided over by Dato Dr Hj Abdul Manaf Hj Metussin, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Nakhoda, developed through a collaboration between Dynamik Technologies and the Tourism Development Department, serves as a digital marketplace where local operators can list their travel services, offer bookable packages, and facilitate cashless payments. A key feature of the platform is an AI-powered trip planner that customizes itineraries based on individual interests and budgets.

“Our challenge is not to create more attractions, but to ensure that our tourism products are available online.”Hjh Salinah Hj Mohd Salleh, Acting Director of Tourism Development

Hjh Salinah Hj Mohd Salleh, Acting Director of Tourism Development, highlighted the current challenges faced by the sector, noting that despite Bruneians' growing acceptance of digital solutions, the tourism industry remains fragmented. This fragmentation is attributed to disconnected information, limited online sales channels, and a lack of integrated tourism data. Additionally, small tourism operators often struggle with digital visibility, which further complicates their ability to reach potential customers.

“Our challenge is not to create more attractions, but to ensure that our tourism products are available online,” Hjh Salinah stated, emphasizing the importance of bridging the digital divide that exists within the sector.

“Historically, a nakhoda was the captain who guided our vessels across the seas. It is in that same spirit that Nakhoda is built: to guide and connect our tourism ecosystem.”Pg Noreen Afiza Pg Dato Paduka Hj Md Zain, Interim CEO of Dynamik Technologies

Brunei's tourism sector is experiencing a resurgence, with visitor arrivals increasing by 12.6% year-on-year, from 678,037 in 2024 to 763,375 in 2025. The upward trend continued into 2026, with 217,453 visitors recorded in the first quarter alone. The Tourism Development Department has set ambitious growth targets, aiming for 854,855 arrivals in 2026, 901,048 in 2027, and over 1.4 million by 2035.

Nakhoda is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these targets by providing valuable data insights across the tourism sector. Pg Noreen Afiza Pg Dato Paduka Hj Md Zain, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Dynamik Technologies, remarked, “Historically, a nakhoda was the captain who guided our vessels across the seas. It is in that same spirit that Nakhoda is built: to guide and connect our tourism ecosystem.”