Tourism
From The Report: Bahrain 2015
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Tourism’s total contribution to Bahrain’s GDP reached $3.26bn, or 10.2% in 2013, with this is expected to increase by 7.6% in 2014 and then by 5% each year until 2024. Continued investment in infrastructure will help drive future growth in the sector, with the $980m expansion of Bahrain International Airport due to increase capacity to 13.5m passengers per year. Meanwhile, plans to expand the country’s already vibrant hotel offering are under way, with five new five-star hotels due to open over the next few years. Additionally, the kingdom is looking to unlock its rich potential as an ecotourism destination while also boosting its reputation as a regional sporting destination, building on the success of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, a major event on the kingdom’s sporting calendar which attracts visitors from all around the world.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Investments in hotels and infrastructure drive growth of Bahrain’s tourism sector
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The islands of Bahrain have been drawing visitors to their shores for centuries. Known as Dilmun in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Tylos by the ancient Greeks, Bahrain today is one of the Gulf’s leading centres for tourism. The country is an established stop on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, as well as an important destination in the region for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. For such events the kingdom is seen as gateway to customers and attendees from Saudi…

Analysis

Bahrain’s tourims sector adds international sporting events
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For the last 10 years the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix has concluded with the winner being doused in waard, a local carbonated rosewater drink. In 2014 the tradition continued with the UK’s Lewis Hamilton being congratulated in this manner after winning the first-ever night race in the event’s history. The continued success of the race is perhaps the clearest sign of Bahrain’s emerging status as a sports tourism destination. Motor Racing The Grand Prix is the most popular event on Bahrain’s…

Analysis

Tourism has been earmarked as a key industry for Bahrainisation
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The tourism sector provides employment for Bahraini nationals across the kingdom in a number of roles, from management at hotels to taxi providers. As such the industry is seen as increasingly important in the government’s plan to expand the input and role of the national population in the local economy. By Number According to statistics from the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism directly supported 4.1% of total employment in 2013, and the government is working to boost that figure…