Kingdom
set to showcase at Arabian Travel Market as it targets 36.2% increase in
tourism arrivals by 2018
The tourism industry in the Kingdom of
Bahrain is growing rapidly and is expected to reach US$1 billion by 2020, according
to figures released ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2017, which takes place at the
Dubai World Trade Centre April 24-27.
Bahrain witnessed an 8.4% increase in inbound
traffic in the third quarter of 2016 and a peak of 1.4 million arrivals during
the month of August. With the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA)
spearheading a robust marketing campaign, the Kingdom expects to welcome 15.8
million annual visitors by 2018. This will represent an increase of 36.2% on
current figures and will place the country’s tourism industry on track to reach
its $1 billion 2020 target.
Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM,
said: “The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority has engaged with a number
of public authorities and private sector organisations over recent months and
the returns are beginning to be realised.
“The BTEA now operates seven official
representation offices worldwide, with a focus on source markets in Europe and
Asia, and will continue to work hand-in-hand with hotels, tour operators and
cruise lines to achieve its objectives.”
This phenomenal growth will be driven primarily
by the leisure sector, which should rise in terms of value by 4.3%
per annum to BHD 1.2 billion in 2026. While business arrivals will generate BHD
219.3 million per annum by 2026.
As activity continues to increase, GDP
contributions from tourism will also rise, from the 10.6% contribution
witnessed in 2015 to a predicted 13% contribution towards GDP in 2026.
The
news comes as inbound investment into Bahrain’s tourism infrastructure reaches
new heights. From funding totaling BHD 105.3 million in 2015 – representing 5.3% of
total investment that year – investment is expected to reach BHD 217.9 million
in 2026, which will be 8.6% of the national total.
The
$1.1 billion Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) at Bahrain International
Airport will double capacity from 7 million to 14 million passengers per year,
by Q2 2020.
STR
Global estimates that there is currently, 12,641 rooms and a pipeline of 4,187
rooms, an increase of 33.1% in hotel stock over the coming years.
Promoting
its hotels, leisure attractions and investment opportunities, the Kingdom of
Bahrain will enjoy a strong presence at ATM 2017, with several exhibitors
participating. These include the Kingdom of Bahrain Tourism Sector, Ministry of
Culture, Sabre, Farhat International Tours & Travels WLL and the Gulf Hotel
Bahrain. The country’s flagship luxury properties, such as Four Seasons Hotel
Bahrain Bay and Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, will also be
represented by their respective operators.
To
drive the expected demand, BTEA’s plans for 2017 include capitalising on the leisure
market, particularly the heritage and cultural aspects, regenerating beaches,
targeting cruise passengers, as well as the opening of Avenues Bahrain Mall.
Press added: “The
main theme of this year’s ATM is experiential travel and Bahrain is a perfect
example of what this sector offers, with investment set aside for the
regeneration of the historic bazaar district, Manama Souq and similar projects
at Bab Al Bahrain.”
ATM - considered by
many industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa
tourism sector – witnessed a
year-on-year visitor attendance increase of 9% to over 28,500 in 2016, with
2,785 exhibiting companies, signing business deals worth more than US$ 2.5
billion over four days.
ATM 2017 will build on its
success with the announcement of an additional hall as Reed Travel Exhibitions
looks to add to its record-breaking achievements of 2016.
For more information on Arabian Travel Market
2017, please visit: www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com
