THE Kingdom of Bahrain participated at the recently concluded ITB Berlin, showcasing the destination in a bid to boost tourism and attract families from neighbouring countries in the GCC. The pavilion attracted visitors expressing interest in the Kingdom’s historical and modern landmarks and attractions. The Ministry of Culture – Tourism Sector’s assistant undersecretary, Nada Ahmed Yaseen headed the delegation with partners including Al Safir Hotel, K Hotel, Ritz Hotel and Spa, Tours Master Travel, Mathias Travel and Tourism, Kempinski Hotel and TTN Middle East.
The delegation was also received by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Germany, Ebrahim Mahmood Ahmed Abdulla.
Speaking to TTN, he said, “As the Ambassador I would like to reinforce the fact that Bahrain is a safe country and we invite our partners and guests to visit the Kingdom and experience it first-hand”.
“Bahrain is a small country but offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. From the Bahrain Grand Prix to the range of activities planned to celebrate Manama as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2012, which will include international performances, festivals, shows and entertainment for every member of the family, we are working aggressively to showcase Bahrain’s attractions to the Arab world and beyond,” he added.
“We are also encouraging our hotel and airline partners to develop and market attractive family-friendly packages across the region, to boost arrival numbers.”
The Tourism Sector’s participation in ITB Berlin is one of many initiatives taken by the Ministry to promote Bahrain’s tourist attractions. The initiative is in line with its plans to attract more tourists and facilitate the growth of the tourism industry in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The Ministry of Culture – Tourism Sector draws up and implements the necessary strategies to turn Bahrain into a leading tourist destination and a hub for prestigious international conferences and exhibitions.
The Spring of Culture 2012, which continues till the end of April, was one of the main events highlighted to visitors at ITB, which showcased top international artists such as Julio Iglesias and Andrea Bocelli and attracted tourists and visitors to Bahrain, allowing them to experience the events while showcasing the security and stability in the Kingdom. The upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was also highlighted – taking place from April 20 to 22, for the eighth time in Bahrain. The event attracts thousands of visitors and will highlight the progress made in the Kingdom.
The festival is being held under the slogan ‘Embrace the Experience’ coincides with Manama being named Capital of Arab Culture for 2012.
Bahrain’s Tourism Sector also took part in the 12th German Arab Tourism Forum organised by the Arab German Chamber of Commerce and Industry where investment in culture and tourism and its effects on international tourism were discussed.
Yaseen adds, “The success of our participation in ITB is due to the efforts made by our partners and I commend their commitment”.
“I also want to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Germany, fortheir tireless efforts in supporting the Bahrain’s delegation to ITB”.