Tourism sector accounts for 7% of Bahrain economy: Minister
Wed, 18 Feb 2026
Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi said the tourism sector now constitutes seven per cent of the kingdom's total GDP. “The World Tourism Index report issued in January 2026 showed that Bahrain ranked third in the Middle East for visitor growth in 2025 compared with 2024, achieving an 11 per cent increase,” she told a Parliament session.
Bahrain unveils ambitious aviation strategy; targets connection to 100 destinations
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has launched the National Aviation Strategy (2026–2027), aiming to build an integrated aviation ecosystem aligned with global standards. The plan seeks to position Bahrain International Airport as a leading hub and expand destinations from 66 to 100 by 2030.
Bahrain signs LOI with BeOnd to boost air connectivity
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
Bahrain’s Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry has signed a Letter of Intent with premium leisure carrier BeOnd to strengthen cooperation and expand the kingdom’s air connectivity. The airline will explore launching services from Bahrain, linking the kingdom with Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Bahrain eyes launch of helicopter service to Dammam
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
Bahrain's Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry has signed a letter of intent with The Helicopter Company (THC) to operate direct helicopter flights between Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian city of Dammam.
AirAsia X launches Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London route
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
AirAsia X (AAX) has announced two international routes linking Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onward to London Gatwick (KUL–BAH–LGW), strengthening its global expansion strategy. Starting June 26, 2026, the service makes Bahrain its first global hub and marks the airline’s second Fifth-Freedom route beyond Asia.
AirAsia X selects Bahrain as strategic hub for global expansion
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad is positioning Bahrain at the heart of its next phase of global expansion, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s ambition to strengthen its role as a regional aviation hub.
Bahrain to host 3rd International Tourism Investment Forum in October
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF 2026) in October. Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Board of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) noted that hosting the event for the first time represents a key milestone in advancing the kingdom’s tourism sector and promoting its development.
Gulf Aviation Academy records 15pc growth in global training
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
The Gulf Aviation Academy closed 2025 with strong growth, training over 4,000 aviation professionals worldwide, a 15% year-on-year increase. During the year, GAA delivered more than 300 specialised courses across operational, technical and regulatory aviation disciplines.
Gulf Air carries 6.6m passengers in 2025
Wed, 04 Feb 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, reported solid operational performance in 2025, carrying 6,647,879 passengers—a 5% increase compared to 2024—while operating 52,099 flights across its network. The airline achieved a notable improvement in operational efficiency, with the average passenger load factor increasing to 81.6%, up from 77.0% in the previous year.
Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo to debut in Bahrain
Wed, 04 Feb 2026
The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced that as part of the Kingdom’s upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday celebrations, Cirque du Soleil’s internationally acclaimed production, Corteo, is set to debut in Bahrain for the first time, offering audiences gravity-defying acrobatics, striking visuals, and powerful storytelling.
Experience global flavours with Bahraini twist at Hilton’s The Collective
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
The newly opened Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences, located adjacent to City Centre Mall in the heart of Manama, has introduced The Collective Café and The Collective Restaurant, offering a culinary destination that blends international flavours with Bahraini touches.
Bahrain, Cyprus sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in tourism
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
During President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to Bahrain, Cyprus and Bahrain signed a tourism MoU. The agreement strengthens economic ties through tourist exchange, joint events, business visibility, public-private partnerships, shared expertise, market research, and coordinated participation in global tourism forums.
Gulf Air records strong performance in November
Wed, 31 Dec 2025
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, recorded strong operational performance during November, reflecting sustained strength across its network.
Bahrain’s historic Old Manama Suq set for big facelift
Sun, 28 Dec 2025
Bahrain’s historic Old Manama Suq is set to receive a facelift as part of a broader government infrastructure drive. The first phase of the project will focus on redevelopment of the main entrance to the suq, which is set for completion in Q4 2026, said a report, citing the tourism minister.
Gulf Air integrates MedAire medical support to boost in-flight safety
Sat, 20 Dec 2025
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air is expanding its partnership with MedAire, an international SOS company and leader in travel health and aviation security solutions, to further strengthen passenger and crew safety and wellbeing.
World Travel Awards honours global innovators in Bahrain
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Tourism royalty from across the globe convened in Bahrain for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 to recognise the travel organisations pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation.
Gulf Air records strong traffic in October, passengers up 18pc
Tue, 02 Dec 2025
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has recorded strong performance results for October amid growing demand which remained robust across its expanding network. The airline flew 598,363 passengers for the month, up 18% over last year.
ila to reward new Gulf Air credit card customers with 9000 bonus miles
Tue, 25 Nov 2025
Bahrain’s top digital mobile-only ila Bank, and national carrier Gulf Air have launched a limited campaign to reward new ila Gulf Air Credit Card customers with 9,000 bonus Falcon Flyer miles in bid to elevate customers travel experiences this festive season.
Hawar Resort by Mantis launches its first photography competition
Mon, 17 Nov 2025
Hawar Resort by Mantis, Bahrain’s newest eco-luxury destination, has debuted its first photography competition, inviting both professional and aspiring photographers from across the world to capture the natural beauty of the resort and its surroundings.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain lead regional travel expansion: report
Wed, 12 Nov 2025
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are now driving the GCC’s outbound travel growth, with Qatar and Oman also experiencing remarkable rises as regional aviation capacity and tourism investments accelerate, according to new traveller insights released by Dragonpass.
RezLive.com hosts Bahrain roadshow
Tue, 11 Nov 2025
RezLive.com, a B2B global travel wholesaler, hosted a roadshow at InterContinental Bahrain, an IHG Hotel, bringing together top hospitality brands and over 170 travel agents from across the region.