Tourism
From The Report: Bahrain 2024
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Known for its long history in hospitality, Bahrain is expanding its tourism offerings, which include cultural, heritage, adventure and coastal attractions. Manama’s selection as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2024 highlights the country’s rising prominence in the regional tourism landscape. With new hotels, improved transport connectivity and government commitment to developing the sector, the kingdom is set to boost its position in the Gulf tourism market. Bahrain’s concentrated variety of attractions and its strategic focus on diversification give the kingdom a competitive edge to attract more tourists, business leaders and conference delegates in the coming years.

This chapter includes interviews with Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; and Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Be our guest: The country is charting a new course by leveraging its heritage alongside innovative strategies to redefine its tourism landscape
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With a long history as a centre for hotels and hospitality in the Gulf region, Bahrain is embarking on a journey to propel its tourism sector forwards. This move comes on the back of solid growth over the last several years, despite the severe setback to the global travel and leisure industry as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty exacerbated by recent conflicts, this expansion unfolds, signalling Bahrain’s resilience and determination to forge ahead in the…

Interview

Site development: Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, on leveraging the kingdom’s cultural heritage to attract visitors
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Interview:Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi What strategies is Bahrain employing to support its tourism sector and attract international visitors? FATIMA BINT JAAFAR AL SAIRAFI: The Tourism Strategy 2022-26 aims to develop the sector and increase its contribution to the kingdom’s economic development, positioning it as a global destination. This includes increasing its contribution to GDP, diversifying offerings, and organising more events and activities. Bahrain is targeting five key markets:…

Analysis

Competitive edge: Major projects, regional cooperation and policy changes seek to enhance Bahrain’s standing in the global tourism market
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Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022-26 aims to diversify the country’s economic portfolio and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP. Key targets of the strategy include attracting 14.1m tourists by 2026 and increasing average visitor expenditure and length of stay. The plan focuses on facilitating entry, developing tourist attractions, marketing and promoting tourism, and improving accommodation standards and lodging options. The strategy also emphasises the importance of national tourism projects…

Interview

Welcoming atmosphere: Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), on improving the visitor experience
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Interview:Sara Ahmed Buhiji What key factors are attracting investors seeking to engage in the kingdom’s tourism industry? SARA AHMED BUHIJI: Bahrain offers a variety of tourism assets, making it an appealing destination for travellers and investors. Collaboration among government entities – including the BTEA, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities – supports sector growth and helps promote investment…

Analysis

Round trip: Fuelled by sustained development efforts, digital innovation and growing consumer spending, global travel is staging a comeback
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The global tourism sector is gradually recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer published in September 2024, international tourism reached 98% of pre-pandemic levels during the first nine months of that year, with an estimated 1.1bn international arrivals. This revival has been underpinned by the release of pent-up demand, increased air connectivity and a resurgence, especially in Asian markets and destinations. These factors indicate…