Treasure trove of sea activities on offer to mark Tourism Day
A TREASURE TROVE of sea activities with free admission has been launched by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in Bahrain Bay and Bilaj Al Jazayer in a bid to hook even more visitors to the kingdom’s popular waterside attractions.
Aimed at citizens, expatriate residents and tourists, the activities include jumping on board a variety of kayaking and surfboarding experiences.
According to the authority, the newly-planned activities provide visitors with a chance to splash out and explore Bahrain’s bodies of water, enjoy the scenery and have a ‘one-of-a-kind’ fun and healthy experience.
The initiative is part a complete programme of events launched yesterday by BTEA to coincide with celebrations marking World Tourism Day celebrated annually on September 27.
The day highlights the significance of tourism in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth and sustainable development. The day encourages people worldwide to explore the beauty and diversity of our planet while recognising the responsibilities that come with it.
The theme of World Tourism Day 2023 was clear: ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.
Every year, the day is recognised under a specific theme to discuss diverse aspects of tourism.
“Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism’s ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable,” United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili said.
The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations. This can be achieved by protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and managing tourism activities.
BTEA chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi added that the local activities scheduled have been specifically aimed at promoting the sustainable development of Bahrain’s tourism sector and solidifying Bahrain’s position as a growing global tourist destination.
“The programme is meant to be part of a line-up of ‘next-level’ tourist attractions which provide entertainment, adventure, water-related activities and more, which will lead to tangible economic outcomes,” he added.
The move follows the successful Saudi National Day initiative, which witnessed thousands of visitors travelling across the causeway to enjoy a series of spectacular celebrations under the theme ‘Delighted to See You.’
Many flocked to Bahrain Bay to witness a spectacular dhow show, along with musical performances, traditional tours and shopping promotions at nearby malls.
Bahrain’s cruise ship season is also set to begin starting next month, with 47 ships lined up to arrive from France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and the UK.
The cruise season will run through to April next year, and droves of international tourists are expected to arrive and experience true sustainable Bahraini hospitality.
