Bahrain Continues Efforts to Strengthen Its Position as a Global Tourism Hub

His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, reaffirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to implementing plans and strategies aimed at enhancing its status as a global tourism center. These efforts focus on increasing the tourism sector's contribution to the national GDP through investment in tourism infrastructure, attracting international events, and fostering Arab and international partnerships. This is in line with the broader goals of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development agenda under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

His Excellency highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to supporting joint Arab action, particularly in the tourism sector. He emphasized the strategic importance of tourism in driving sustainable economic development and promoting cultural and knowledge exchange between the countries and peoples of the region. This is particularly relevant given the historical, cultural, and natural assets that Arab tourism offers, along with its significant potential for growth and expansion.

These remarks were made during a meeting at his office in Qudaibiya Palace this morning, which was attended by Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, and His Excellency Dr. Bandar bin Fahd Al Fhaid, President of the Arab Tourism Organization, who is visiting Bahrain. During the meeting, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid welcomed Dr. Al Fhaid and praised the organization’s efforts in supporting sustainable tourism development. He also commended its initiatives that contribute to empowering those working in this vital sector, promoting investments, and creating an innovative tourism environment across the Arab world.

The meeting also reviewed the organization’s plans and initiatives that will be implemented in collaboration with Bahrain’s Ministry of Tourism, particularly in areas like supporting tourism entrepreneurship and expanding training and development programs for workers in tourism, hospitality, and hotel management sectors.

Dr. Al Fhaid presented a copy of the Arab Tourism Organization’s report summarizing its achievements, along with an award from the organization and a model of its latest project, the Arab Tourist Credit Card.

For his part, Dr. Al Fhaid expressed his sincere gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Khalid for the warm reception. He reiterated his pride in the strong partnership between Bahrain and the organization, which reflects the Kingdom’s valuable support for the organization. Dr. Al Fhaid praised Bahrain’s ambitious development vision for the tourism sector, highlighting the Kingdom's remarkable achievements in promotion, product diversification, and infrastructure development, and wished for continued progress and prosperity for Bahrain.