Manama: Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, met with John Bluedorn, Deputy Division Chief in the Regional Analytics and Strategy Division of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and his accompanying delegation. The meeting focused on Bahrain's strides in the tourism sector, as part of its 2022-2026 Tourism Strategy.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Minister highlighted the sector's pivotal role in elevating Bahrain's status as a premier regional destination. She emphasized the tourism sector's contribution to job creation and diversification of national income. Al Sairafi discussed the importance of collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and tourism institutions to sustain this growth.
Al Sairafi also pointed out the efforts of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in monitoring tourism indicators and analyzing performance. These efforts aim to support data-driven decision-making, enhancing the effectiveness of strategic policies and initiatives in the tourism sector.
The IMF delegation praised Bahrain's progress in the tourism sector, acknowledging its impact on economic growth and quality job creation. They also recognized Bahrain's strong reputation as a competitive tourism destination, which combines authenticity with modernity. The country's robust infrastructure and attractive facilities were noted as key factors in boosting the tourism sector's contribution to the national economy.