BAHRAIN currently draws more than five million tourists a year, mostly from the GCC states. Tourism arrivals are projected to rise on an average of 2.5 per cent over the next 10 years, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Culture and Information’s tourism affairs division.
These indicate tourist arrivals have risen by an average of 10 to 15 per cent a year over the last three years and that in 2007, Bahrain attracted as many as 5.5 million tourists, 4.9 million of which were from other GCC states.
On of the many travel agencies in Bahrain to be catering to these tourists is Zangari Holidays, a division of Zangari Travel and Tourism. This IATA accredited travel agency recently launched a regular half day city tour of Bahrain.
Suitable for both visitors and residents, the tours offer a carefully crafted itinerary that is likely to appeal to all tourists interested in the cultural aspects of Bahrain, and those with a short time scale, so could well suit delegates to BITE.
The half day city tour can be mixed and matched with past and present attractions. The air-conditioned minibus starts the tour from Bab Al Bahrain at 9am daily (except on Fridays and public holidays). Guests will then be taken to the Beit Al Quran, home to a valuable collection of Islamic manuscripts. The tour also takes in Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum and the Arad Fort, built in the 15th century on Muharraq Island by the Portuguese.
The tour then goes to Shaikh Isa House, once the residence of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the current king’s (His Majesty King Hamad) great-great-grandfather. Finally, tourists are taken to the King Fahad Causeway then returned to the starting at around 1.30 pm.
A guide is provided during the tour, and guests have the opportunity to sample light Bahraini music. Cost per person is BD15 ($39). Contact +97317252205 or +97317243022 for more information.