Tourism surge set to boost economy
THE tourism sector is on track to contribute seven per cent to Bahrain’s gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of next year, according to a top minister.
Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Al Zayani said there has been an increase in the number of tourists visiting the country, reflecting a positive growth.
“The tourism outlook this year is positive and growing with more visitors coming to Bahrain. We are well on track in our plan to have the tourism sector contribute 7pc to the nation’s GDP by the end of 2018; it is 6.3pc now.”
The minister was speaking to the GDN on the sidelines of the opening of the second edition of the Sea Festival at Bahrain Bay yesterday.
It is being organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) under its ‘Bahrain Ours Yours’ tourism campaign and will continue until November 4.
The festival will not only showcase the nation’s maritime heritage, it will also pay tribute to Bahrain’s historical pearling and fishing industries as well as builders of traditional dhows.
The event features a fishing simulator, Bahrain marine life and dhow experience, in addition to a techno aqua world with virtual experience.
The outdoor features include a dhow-making demo, fishermen’s village, high-dive show and a surfing simulator.
“We see tourism as a growing sector of the economy that can easily achieve double digit (growth) of GDP.
“There are several tourism activities we support and infrastructure projects that will boost this sector include the Airport Modernisation Project and King Hamad Causeway.”
Mr Al Zayani pointed out that the cruise season is about to start next month and last until April, adding that the country is ready to welcome more tourists during this period.
“Hopefully this year we cross the 100,000-visitors mark as last season we had more than 93,000 tourists, indicating growth at all entry points in Bahrain.”
Mr Al Zayani, accompanied by BTEA chief executive Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, toured the various stands at the festival, including the 360 virtual reality gaming zone.
He also interacted with pearl and jewellery merchants who have a dedicated section to showcase their products.
“The much bigger second edition of the Sea Festival is educational for tourists and families who can enjoy a good atmosphere while learning about our heritage, such as pearl diving or dhow making,” said Shaikh Khalid.
“It is also beneficial for pearl merchant families who have been active for more than 100 years, and grandsons representing them at this festival, to send out a message that Bahrain is the pearl of the Gulf.”
Shaikh Khalid said 2017 has been a busy year with good numbers for the BTEA. “We are now looking to welcome cruise tourists from next month as there are more port calls which means more visitors.”
The Sea Festival will be open from 4pm to 10pm except today when it will be extended until 11pm.
Entry fee is BD2 with children aged under four allowed free. School trips can be arranged during the mornings with each student being charged BD1.
Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/280791/Tourism-surge-set-to-boost-economy
