BTEA Board of Directors Reviews Achievements and Projects for Q2 2024, Discusses Future Development Plans

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

Her Excellency Ms. Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, chaired BTEA’s second quarter board meeting of 2024.

The board reviewed the latest developments in the tourism sector for the second quarter of the current year, discussing achievements and the progress of indicators related to the implementation of the objectives and pillars of the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. The meeting also highlighted prominent tourism projects launched during the second quarter and their positive impact on enhancing the contribution of the tourism sector to the Kingdom’s GDP.

HE the Minister reiterated the Authority’s commitment to working with partners to achieve the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, focussing on diversifying the tourism product and expanding target markets, with the aim of doubling the sector’s contribution to the GDP and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as the preferred choice for leisure and business tourism for families and individuals alike.

The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Her Excellency Ms. Sarah Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Authority, including key performance indicators of the tourism sector.

The board reviewed the Authority’s marketing and promotional efforts to position the Kingdom of Bahrain as a premier tourist destination in regional and global markets. The discussions focused on showcasing the tourism potentials, major projects and opportunities that bolster Bahrain’s reputation and competitiveness as a unique destination that blends cultural heritage with urban development, as well as its advanced  tourism infrastructure, complemented by various attractions, luxury hotels and events that enhance its appeal.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the BTEA’s collaboration with travel agencies in key target markets, aimed at developing tourism packages to attract a larger number of visitors. These initiatives are designed to elevate the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The board also reviewed developments within the Authority’s Licensing Department and discussed the operational plan for the Exhibition World Bahrain, including a review of the significant events hosted during the second quarter of 2024.

The meeting also reviewed the results of the first edition of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival, which attracted approximately 97,000 visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad. The board acknowledged the successful partnership between the BTEA, Al Dana Amphitheatre, Spacetoon and the Exhibition World Bahrain. The strategic collaboration and support provided by the National Bank of Bahrain were also commended for their instrumental role in the success of this entertainment event, which is considered the largest in the Kingdom.

In conclusion, the Board extended its gratitude to the staff members of the BTEA for their dedication to implementing various tourism and entertainment initiatives, projects, plans and programmes. The board urged the team to intensify efforts to accelerate tourism development across the Kingdom, ultimately enhancing the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy and creating quality job opportunities for citizens.