The constraints of tourism development for a cultural heritage destination: The case of Kampong Ayer (Water Village) in Brunei Darussalam

• Kampong Ayer or ‘Water Village’ offers a unique cultural tourism experience.
• Constraints include waste disposal, crime and loss of authenticity.
• Local community needs to be involved in tourism development.
• Benefits include preservation of socio-cultural heritage.

Tourism is one of the sectors believed to be able to contribute to the process of economic diversification in Brunei Darussalam. Kampong Ayer, which literally means ‘Water Village’ is one of the obligatory tourism attractions in the country, as there is an expression that says that a visit to Brunei Darussalam is not valid if one does not visit Kampong Ayer. Although there exists a tourism potential, there are challenges that must be addressed in order to promote tourism in Kampong Ayer, and to convince tourists of the uniqueness of this historic place. These include waste disposal problems, crime, loss of authenticity, as well as the lack of information, facilities and tourist services in Kampong Ayer. Aside from the prospect of generating income, tourism development in Kampong Ayer can also lead to the preservation and revival of the socio-cultural heritage of its community.