Tourism & Retail
From The Report: Bahrain 2018
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As a leading performer in Bahrain’s economy in 2017, the tourism and leisure sector has begun measuring its success and impact in billions of dollars. The kingdom expects to see annual tourism receipts of over $1bn by 2020, by which time over $1bn will have been spent on upgrading its international airport and a further $10bn on a raft of new luxury hotel developments. By the end of 2018 the national carrier Gulf Air is set to take delivery of the first of a new $4bn-fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Further into the 2020s up to $5bn looks set to be spent on a second causeway to Saudi Arabia to carry cars as well as trains running on the new GCC rail network.

This chapter contains an interview with Sheikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Destination location: As visitor numbers grow, the kingdom is seeking to upgrade existing infrastructure to meet demand
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As a leading performer in Bahrain’s economy in 2017, the tourism and leisure sector has begun measuring its success and impact in billions of dollars. The kingdom expects to see annual tourism receipts of over $1bn by 2020, by which time over $1bn will have been spent on upgrading its international airport and a further $10bn on a raft of new luxury hotel developments. By the end of 2018 the national carrier Gulf Air is set to take delivery of the first of a new $4bn fleet of Boeing 787-9…

Interview

A warm welcome: Sheikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), on achieving long-term sector goals and encouraging heritage tourism
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Interview:Sheikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa What must be done to fulfil Economic Vision 2030’s aims for tourism, which highlight the role of the sector in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI)? SHEIKH KHALED BIN HUMOOD AL KHALIFA: Tourism has grown into one of the fundamental pillars of Bahrain’s national economy in recent years, and has taken a prime role as a vital contributor to the country’s balance of payments and to macroeconomic stability, as well as a creator of new jobs,…

Analysis

Feature presentation: The opening of new hotels and resorts signals confidence in the long-term viability of the hospitality segment
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Real estate investors will pour $10bn into the hospitality sector in Bahrain by 2020, according to the Economic Development Board of Bahrain (EDB), as a raft of new luxury hotels and resorts is built across some of the country’s 33 islands. The developments will cater to people looking for anything from a downtown retail excursion to a relaxing spa break, conference location or eco-friendly retreat. The EDB notes the new stock will add to the 190 hotels and resorts currently operating in…

Analysis

Race to the finish: Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and a major shopping festival draw tourists from around the globe
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Part of Bahrain’s tourism strategy is to market experiences as well as the destination, and the country’s leaders have recognised that a full calendar of regular events helps to attract new visitors each year, but also drums up repeat business. At the outset of the 21st century the country invested $150m in building the Middle East’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. “Tourism infrastructure, and investment in creating destinations, are important parts of extending visitors length…