Manama: Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, affirmed that enhanced cooperation with the private sector has contributed to achieving the objectives of the Tourism Sector Strategy (2022-2026), resulting in increased visitor numbers to the Kingdom of Bahrain and higher hotel occupancy rates during the Eid Al Adha holiday.
According to Bahrain News Agency, promotional efforts focused on launching innovative packages targeting Gulf families, in collaboration with Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier, as well as hotels, resorts, and travel agents. The Gulf countries are among the five key target markets identified in the tourism strategy, which has been clearly reflected in the positive performance indicators.
Al Sairafi highlighted that the current momentum in Bahrain's tourism sector underscores the development of tourism infrastructure and the diversity of services, supported by advanced facilities that meet visitors' expectations. She also emphasised the variety of tourism experiences available, including events, theatrical performances, and a wide range of entertainment activities catering to different preferences. She underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to support the growth of this promising sector.
The minister added that the Kingdom places increasing importance on the tourism sector as a national priority, which requires launching innovative initiatives and implementing projects that enhance Bahrain's cultural and civilizational values, further strengthening its tourism position regionally and internationally.
She confirmed that current indicators reflect rapid progress toward achieving the strategy's goals, including increasing the tourism sector's contribution to GDP and reinforcing Bahrain's status as a sustainable tourism destination in the region. This is being accomplished by expanding entertainment, hospitality, and retail options, offering integrated travel and accommodation packages, and advancing a sustainable tourism ecosystem.