Bahrain expects tourism to boom; High-spending Indian travellers seen heading to Gulf

BAHRAIN is among Gulf countries expected to cash in on an anticipated increase in tourists from India.

The GCC has been identified as a magnet for growing numbers of Indian travellers in a new report by Canada-based Colliers International.

It says nine million Indians, the equivalent of 37 per cent of all outbound tourists from India, will be heading to the Gulf on holiday by 2022.

“Tourist arrivals from India into the GCC have witnessed constant progression year on year,” says the research.

“The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates that India will account for over 50m outbound tourists by 2022, making India a $45 billion outbound spend market.”

The study says relaxed visa restrictions and a growing willingness to travel and spend among the Indian middle class were key factors.

Overall, the paper predicts the number of Indian visitors to the GCC will convert into an additional 10.8 million hotel room nights over the coming five years.

Increase

Bahrain alone is expected to see an annual six per cent increase in inbound Indian tourists.

That is good news for the country’s tourism industry, given the large amount of money Indians spend on their holidays.

“Indian tourists are among the world’s highest spenders per visit made abroad,” explained the report.

“An average Indian traveller spends $1,200 per visit, compared with Americans and British travellers who spend on average $700 and $500 respectively.”

The data has been published ahead of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1.

Bahrain is already promoting itself in India as a luxury wedding destination.

The GDN reported in October that six large Indian weddings would take place here between November and February, with more than 2,000 guests expected to arrive.

“Bahrain has witnessed stable growth in the number of Indian visitors between 2013 and 2018,” adds the paper.

“The average growth has been persistent at 5.4pc compound annual growth rate.”

Bahrain’s flexible visa policy and the availability of e-visas are cited as key components in attracting more Indian tourists.

Government data shows that last year Indians accounted for more traffic through Bahrain International Airport than any other nationality, excluding Bahrainis.

A total of 956,809 Indian individuals travelled through the airport, of whom 494,746 were arrivals. It represents growth of 5pc from 913,547 in 2016.

“Despite recent weak rupee exchange rates, which have seen the rupee lose around 14pc of its value against the US dollar over the last 12 months, the Indian outbound market has continued to grow at an average annual growth rate of 10 to 12pc over the last seven years,” said Arabian Travel Market Middle East exhibition director Danielle Curtis.

“The GCC has benefited from this trend with Indian travellers’ willingness and ability to spend on outbound travel, supported by the country’s pace-setting seven per cent GDP growth and a new generation of leisure attractions in the GCC, as well as increased business opportunities and relaxed visa regulations for Indian nationals,” he explained.

India is one of the countries where Bahrain has opened a tourism promotion office to encourage expansion of the sector.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/445016