TOURISM authorities should promote Bahrain as the region’s cultural hub to attract more holidaymakers, according to a leading publisher. This could boost the country’s travel and tourism industry, which is expected to generate more jobs and contribute to the economy in the coming years, Akhbar Al Khaleej editor-in-chief Anwar Abdulrahman was quoted saying in the Gulf Daily News.
“Bahrain can be a different type of tourism hub in the region because of its rich history and culture, which can, in the long run, benefit the travel industry,” he said.
“Tourism is not about sea, sand or the sun - it’s more than that in terms of cultural centres, state-of-the-art hospitals, infrastructure and other important aspects.”
Abdulrahman said, “The tourism industry should preserve its cultural past and increase awareness of the country’s heritage.”
“We had about 7.28 million visitors in 2006 which over the years increased and in 2010 we had about 11.95 million visitors,” he added.
He said the industry generated 27,500 jobs in Bahrain during 2011, adding that by 2022 it will account for 36,000 jobs – a direct increase of 2.3 per cent per annum over the next 10 years.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is looking to fast forward its tourism proposition this year as the government signs off on multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure plans and Manama launches its 2013 Arab Capital of Tourism calendar of events.
The Kingdom will have a strong presence at various trade shows including ITB Berlin and Arabian Travel MArket (ATM) in Dubai UAE. According to Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report, Bahrain’s hospitality market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.8 per cent between 2011 and 2016, with the relatively high growth attributed to opportunities for sector recovery following a challenging 2012, prompting forecasted tourism arrival CAGR growth of 2.9 per cent through to 2022.
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Sheikh Salman announces plans for 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix |
With around 75 per cent of current hotel supply dominated by four and five-star hotels, the future pipeline remains primarily focused on upscale properties, but chains like Rotana and Marriott International are introducing new mid-level brands to the market. At the higher end of the spectrum, a 260-room Wyndham Grand Manama is expected to open in Bahrain Bay by the end of 2013, followed by the 50-storey JW Marriott in 2016.
Marriott International opened a new 78-room Residence Inn in late 2012 and will debut the Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Island in 2013, with Rotana also opening its first Arjaan property this year.
Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), in ooperation with national carrier Gulf Air, rolled out its official 60-day countdown to the region’s biggest and most highly anticipated sporting and social event: the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The top-class motor racing and entertainment will take place from April 19-21, 2013 at BIC.BIC chief executive Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa revealed an array of details including the official slogan for this year Grand Prix weekend “Imagine Your Moment”.
The slogan reflects both the excitement from all Formula 1 fans ahead of the 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as all the memorable moments people create during the enjoyable time they have at the race.
“There is always a special moment or two for whoever attends the Bahrain Grand Prix, be it on the track or off of it, and we would like all the fans to ‘Imagine Your Moment’ and feel the excitement of our upcoming Grand Prix,” said Shaikh Salman.
Last year the event attracted up to 70,000 people. The BIC chief expects an even larger turnout this year, with the growing popularity of the sport and the rapidly developing motorsport culture both in Bahrain and the rest of the Middle East all contributing to the greater attendance.
BIC hopes to come close to matching its biggest-ever turnout to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend of 100,000 fans in 2010.
Race-goers will be able to enjoy the very best of top-class entertainment, ranging from musical performances, stage shows and mesmerising acts to carnival rides, parlour games and dazzling exhibitions. One of the main features of the Formula 1 Village will be the children’s entertainment area. There will once again be a large tent solely allocated for the kids’s enjoyment, and this plus so much more will be available on all three days of the race.
Tickets can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall, or at the BIC Welcome Centre located at the circuit entrance. They can also be bought online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.