Bahrain: The Next Tourist Hotspot? 14 Million Visitors Projected by 2028

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is on track to welcome around 14 million visitors by 2028, a jump from the 12.5 million tourists recorded in 2023. This surge in visitors is set to lift tourism revenues from $3.1 billion in 2023 to $3.6 billion by 2028, as per a recent report.

The report also outlines Bahrain's bold target of drawing 14.1 million annual visitors by 2026, aiming to boost the tourism sector's share of the country's gross domestic product to 11.4%. This aligns with Bahrain's economic recovery plan launched in 2021, which prioritises the expansion of the tourism industry. Notably, Bahrain has managed to increase average daily expenditure to 74.8 Bahraini dinars and extend the average stay to 3.5 days, reflecting positive trends in tourist spending and engagement.

Bahrain's tourism ambitions dovetail with Saudi Arabia's national strategy to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030. As the designated tourism capital of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for 2024, Bahrain benefits from its straightforward visa-free policy, rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and strategic geographical location. These factors make it an increasingly appealing destination for international travellers.

The report by "Travel and Tour World Magazine" brings attention to Bahrain's flourishing conferences and exhibitions sector, including the kingdom's successful bid to host the prestigious 93rd Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). This event is expected to draw global attention and contribute to Bahrain's reputation as a prime destination for international events. Additionally, the report recognised Bahrain's Manama-based Convention and Exhibition Center as a significant hub for regional trade and cultural exchange, as well as the Bahrain International Airport, which serves as a busy gateway to destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Anup Kesha, Editor-in-Chief of the publication, praised Bahrain's efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and diversify its offerings. This positions the kingdom to benefit from the anticipated post-pandemic recovery in the global travel and tourism industry.

Industry experts foresee promising prospects for Bahrain's inbound tourism sector in the coming years, as the country's strategic initiatives to improve visitor experiences and marketing efforts continue to yield positive outcomes. The report also mentioned various resorts, hotels, and upcoming events in the Kingdom, including the Bahrain International Air Show, the Bahrain Festival in December, and the Autumn Fair, further showcasing Bahrain's diverse tourism offerings.