Tourism growth indicators have exceeded the 2022-2026 targets, Al Sairafi
Manama, Aug.23 (BNA): The growth indicators achieved by the tourism sector over the past two years have exceeded the targets set in Bahrain's tourism strategy 2022-2026, said Minister of Tourism Fatima Jaffar Al Sairafi.
She made the statement as she attended a work meeting which was held today at the Exhibition World Bahrain to discuss the progress in implementing the tourism strategy 2022-2026, which is part of the economic recovery plan.
The meeting was attended by Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Chairman Sameer Nasser, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nasser Qaidi.
Al Sairafi stressed the ministry's commitment to strengthening
partnership with all government agencies, representatives of the private sector, and tourism sector establishments, in implementing the strategy.
“The success of this national strategy depends on the cooperation of all government and private institutions, given the importance of the tourism sector in creating opportunities, providing jobs and diversifying the sources of income and supporting Bahrain’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP), she said.
She outlined pathways for implementing the tourism strategy, noting that the ministry and the authority are working with various stakeholders from the public and private sectors concerned with the tourism sector.
She indicated the strategy includes four core pillars - “destinations”, enhancing Bahrain’s standing as a leading regional and international tourist destination through developing marine and sports tourism, revamping beaches, recreational facilities, infrastructure and cultural facilities, and organizing more events.
The strategy also focuses on developing the airline network and facilitating visas and port procedures (arrival), extensive promotional campaigns at the regional and international level (marketing), and through increasing the number of hotel rooms , especially with the expected increase in major events in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the coming period (accommodation).
Fakhro pledged all necessary support to the Ministry of Tourism and BTEA in various initiatives, projects and programs aimed at developing the hospitality sector in Bahrain, noting the efforts made in this direction.
Nass commended the partnership with the private sector in various issues of common interest, based on the role that the tourism sector plays as a driving engine for the growth of the national economy.
