Fatima Al Sairafi
Bahrain’s Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi stated the tourism sector now constitutes seven consistent with cent of the dominion’s general GDP.
“This reflects tangible progress resulting from close co-operation between government entities and our private-sector partners.”
Because the release of the tourism technique in 2022, 23 new four- and five-star accommodations were evolved, a transparent signal of investor self belief within the Bahrain marketplace, she stated.
“Tourism in Bahrain is no longer only regional – it is international,” Al Sairafi stated. “We have partnerships with more than 100 travel agents and are targeting markets such as the GCC, China, the UK, India and Germany. Bahrain is promoting itself independently, but also as part of a joint ‘one Gulf destination’ vision.”
She highlighted rising momentum in industry tourism, meetings and exhibitions, specifically at Exhibition Global Bahrain, along fairs, coastal tourism, seashores, heritage points of interest and numerous tourism merchandise.
On vacationer guides, Al Sairafi stated Bahrainis account for greater than 70pc of licenced guides and that licences for nationals are issued without spending a dime.
“We are reviewing the decision regulating the profession to further strengthen the priority for national competencies, while also considering the needs of some markets that require specialised languages and expertise,” she added.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stated growing aviation and tourism is a ‘cornerstone for strengthening the national economy and creating quality jobs for citizens’.
“Airports are the front door of any country, and aviation directly supports economic growth, global connectivity and employment,” he stated. “Bahrain’s aviation ecosystem is among the oldest in the region, with a history of more than 75 years, giving us strong accumulated expertise despite intense regional competition.”
He introduced the release of the Nationwide Aviation Technique 2026-2030, constructed on 4 primary pillars, together with built-in building of the airport, products and services, regulation, provide chains and logistics – now not airways by myself.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla showed that Bahrain has succeeded in attracting AirAsia, Asia’s biggest low cost service, to ascertain a regional base within the kingdom after robust regional pageant.
“AirAsia is the size of seven airlines combined, carrying tens of millions of passengers. This gives Bahrain the edge we need,” he stated. “We also expect several aircraft to be registered in Bahrain in the coming years, which will boost air traffic, tourism and job opportunities.”
He added that agreements were signed with specialized firms in plane upkeep, logistics and air shipment, together with the status quo of complicated upkeep hangars, along efforts to draw e-commerce and freight firms.
On maritime connectivity, Dr Shaikh Abdulla stated paintings is below option to reinforce cruise and marine tourism and to increase sea shipping products and services to beef up protection and passenger revel in.
