Bahrain Enhances Tourism and Hospitality: Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Reopens After Renovations

TDT | Manama
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His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, highlighted the positive performance of Bahrain’s non-oil sectors, emphasizing their significant contributions to the Kingdom’s economic growth and diversification. Among these, the hospitality and tourism sectors stand out as vital indicators of investor confidence and pivotal contributors to Bahrain’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Speaking at the reopening ceremony of the renovated Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Sheikh Khalid underscored Bahrain's commitment to modernizing its tourism infrastructure in line with global standards. This effort aims to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a competitive global tourism hub, create new job opportunities for Bahrainis, and attract more international visitors, thereby bolstering related sectors such as transportation and trade.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, coincided with Bahrain’s National Day celebrations and the 25th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad’s accession to the throne. Attendees included Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Samir Abdullah Nass, and other dignitaries.

A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
During the event, Sheikh Khalid toured the hotel’s upgraded facilities, including its newly refurbished rooms and modern amenities. He praised the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel as a landmark reflecting the Kingdom’s urban and developmental progress over the past four decades.

“The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, located in the heart of historic Manama, now stands as a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its comprehensive renovation highlights the importance of cultural and architectural sustainability in urban development,” he said.

Sheikh Khalid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector as a key component of Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan. He commended Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi and her team for their collaborative efforts with the private sector in implementing projects that enhance the tourism industry.

Strategic Importance of Tourism
Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi expressed gratitude to Sheikh Khalid for inaugurating the renovated hotel and for his unwavering support for Bahrain’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

“Reopening the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel marks the ninth hotel launch this year, underscoring the expansion of Bahrain’s hospitality offerings as a core objective of the Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). This initiative aims to attract a broader range of tourists, boost the sector’s contribution to GDP, and position Bahrain as a preferred and hospitable destination in the region,” said Al Sairafi.

She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of hospitality services and diversifying tourism products to meet evolving global market demands.

A Legacy of Excellence
Thomas Flindt, General Manager of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Khalid for attending the reopening ceremony. He reaffirmed the hotel's dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and contributing to Bahrain’s tourism sector, a legacy it has upheld for over 40 years.

The reopening of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel signals a new chapter in the Kingdom's hospitality industry, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the tourism sector.