BAHRAIN is finalising a new tourism strategy that will position the island as a ‘boutique’ destination, according to the country’s Minister of Information, HE Dr Muhammed Abdul Ghaffar.
“Under the directives of HH the Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and in cooperation with the Economic Development Board, the ministry has recently completed a study that sets out the strategy and master plan for tourism in Bahrain,” he said.
Consulting company, International Development Ireland, actioned the study, which is currently under review by and will be presented for public debate in a couple of months’ time.
“In essence, the strategy is to position Bahrain as a ‘boutique’ destination in the Gulf, showcasing its unique history, culture, heritage and focusing on family and business tourism,” he said.
The minister also said the Bahrain Tourism Board is likely to be set up by the beginning of next year.
The Kingdom has seen a healthy summer, with occupancy in five-star hotels having risen by a remarkable 20pc over last year, partly due to the Lebanon situation, as well as because of increasing volumes of Saudi and Kuwaiti tourists looking for a short-break.
An Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH) report, released in September, hails Bahrain as a ‘boomtown’.
Pg 4: Boomtown Bahrain