MPs call for debate as Bahrain’s transit strategy and tourism facilities come under scrutiny
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
MPs want answers on whether Bahrain is doing enough to attract travellers and cash in on its spot as a regional stopover.
A formal request has been handed to Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, pushing for a debate on the government’s handling of transit and tourism services.
The discussion will look at whether Bahrain International Airport is set up to handle more transit passengers and what steps the Ministry of Tourism is taking to draw in more visitors.
MPs also want to know if the visa process for short-stay travellers can be made easier, particularly through online systems A key part of the debate will compare Bahrain’s tourism perks with those of nearby countries to see where it stands in the race to pull in travellers.
The wider impact of expanding transit and tourism services on the economy is also on the agenda, especially how they might bring in more revenue.
MPs are expected to put forward ideas to make Bahrain a stronger player in regional tourism and transit, making better use of its spot on the map.
The debate will also take in the government’s current and planned moves to bring in tourism dollars, build up the sector’s backbone, and open doors for outside investment.
Gulf Air’s role in all this won’t be left out.
MPs want to see whether Bahrain’s flag carrier is pulling its weight in making travel smoother, from entry procedures to onward flights.
There’s also talk of expanding transit routes by teaming up with airlines across the region and beyond, giving Bahrain a better shot at competing in air travel and tourism.
The request for this debate was put forward by MPs Mamdouh Al Saleh, Hassan Ebrahim and eight others.
MPs have called for key officials to give their input including the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Civil Aviation Affairs, Bahrain Airport Services, Gulf Air representatives, the Interior Ministry’s Immigration, Passports and Residency Affairs, the Minister of Tourism, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
MP Al Saleh is expected to take the lead in putting forward the MPs’ case.
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