Summer visitor figures are up by seven per cent over last year, thanks to the special off-season room rates and family-oriented activities being promoted in the Bahrain Summer Bonanza.

Statistics compiled by the Bahrain Tourism Company, a consortium of the seven five-star properties, show that overnight stays since July 1 are running seven per cent higher than the same time last summer.

The data also shows families are staying longer this year, averaging a three-night stay as compared to two nights during last summer's campaign.

Most of the five-star hotels yesterday confirmed the figures, noting that the special room rates appear to be the main incentive for overseas visitors.

One of the more popular weekend activities has been the Lego competition, which rotates around the hotels each Thursday.

The summer bonanza, which was launched by the Tourism Affairs Directorate and the Economic Development Board, runs until August 31.