​In recent years, the tourism sector in the country has seen encouraging growth. This was stated by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism at the launching of the Brunei Half Marathon 2025, which marked the start of the 9th Brunei December Festival. According to Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, events like marathons play a key role in attracting international visitors, and further promoting the country as a key tourist destination in the region.