‘Strengthen Bahrain’s global tourism position’

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Tourism Minister, Her Excellency Fatima Al Sairafi, has emphasised the need to intensify efforts to bolster the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position on the global tourism stage.

Al Sairafi, also Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), said this strategic endeavour entails nurturing partnerships with key players in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, tourism and travel companies, while strengthening coordination with government and private entities.

The overarching objective is to propel the tourism sector’s overall development, increase its contribution to the GDP, and create meaningful opportunities for the citizens, she added.

The Minister was speaking as she presided over BTEA’s Board of Directors.

The meeting was attended by Sara Ahmed Buhiji, the newly appointed CEO of BTEA, as well as several directors and staff members of the authority.

She expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication and sincere efforts demonstrated by all employees of the Ministry of Tourism and BTEA and acknowledged their collective commitment that led to the successful implementation of various initiatives, projects, and plans in the past year, encompassing tourism, entertainment, and other programmes.

Preparations The Board also reviewed BTEA’s preparations to host the DP World Tour Championship for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 1 to 4 next February, in addition to the Kingdom’s hosting of the 20th anniversary of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening round of the World Championship for the 2024 season, which is scheduled to be held from February 29 to March 2, and to determine the readiness of the dedicated team from the Authority to meet the requirements for the desired success of this global tournament.

The panel also discussed the latest developments in the tourism sector for the fourth quarter of last year, progress in implementing the overall objectives and pillars of the tourism strategy of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the years 2022-2026, the most prominent tourism projects that were launched, and their implications for enhancing the contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product.