With the onset of the warm winter season that characterizes the atmosphere of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a season opens before us that represents not just moderation in the weather, but rather a tremendous economic opportunity that must be seized, after the tourism sector has become one of the Kingdom’s most important bets for diversifying sources of income, and this winter season represents the real test and the greatest opportunity to translate plans into tangible reality.
During the recent period, we witnessed the efforts of both the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority regarding the proactive plan to promote the Kingdom globally, by strengthening strategic partnerships with major international companies, and the result will be seen soon in two prominent events, the “Jewellery Arabian Exhibition” and the “Cityscape Exhibition,” which not only attract visitors, but also position Bahrain as a regional center for specialized exhibitions and investment.
The engine of tourism growth this year is supported by two very important logistical tributaries. The first is the expansion of global air connectivity, represented by Gulf Air’s launch of its direct route to New York, which is not just a new flight added to the national carrier’s agenda, but rather a direct bridge with one of the largest global markets, and opens the door to new tourists with higher spending.
The second matter came through strengthening regional integration and launching cruises with the sister State of Qatar this month, which creates a new space for family and leisure tourism between the two countries, and is expected to have a direct and rapid impact on tourism, real estate and economic activity between the two countries.
On the ground, tourism in Bahrain is no longer limited to a narrow area in the Kingdom. The volume of huge investments in the infrastructure of beaches and islands, such as “Hawar” and the major development of “Belaj Al-Jazair,” and the luxury resorts that opened recently, give tourists various options, in addition to the activity of diving trips, and all of this in an atmosphere of safety and stability that has become a rare currency in many traditional tourist destinations.
However, in order for the picture to be complete, we must not overlook the treasures that have not yet been fully exploited, foremost of which is “medical tourism” as it is one of the most prominent sectors that need promotion and care, to become a real added value, and in which the advanced Bahraini medical sector participates in its role in supporting the national economy.
The economic impact of tourism is much deeper than hotel bookings; It touches every artery in the economy, whether the transport and communications sectors, or the retail markets, restaurants and cafes, all the way to the construction and real estate sectors, and most importantly, it directly contributes to employing graduates and reducing unemployment rates, which is a loftier national goal.
All of these data are consistent with the “Bahrain Economic Vision 2030”, which aims to develop new production and service sectors, and to ensure success, today we need to intensify digital campaigns and international and regional advertisements, while highlighting Bahrain’s cultural and entertainment components, and enhancing the authentic Bahraini identity in the tourism experience.
The opportunities are many, the ingredients are available, and success depends on the ability of the concerned authorities and the private sector to work together to transform this winter season into a new economic success story, added to the process of diversifying the national income.
