The Kingdom of Bahrain is looking to fast forward its tourism proposition as the government signs off on multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure plans and Manama launches its 2013 Arab Capital of Tourism calendar of events.
In addition, healthy hotel pipeline to expand business and leisure product as government infrastructure investment opens up new opportunities for inbound visitor growth.
The country’s proximity to Saudi Arabia, business pedigree, and international sporting and leisure attractions remain key factors in driving future tourism receipts.
“Bahrain’s tourism mix covers multiple sectors from business travellers to leisure visitors entering via the King Fahd Causeway, which links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. It is exactly this diverse market segmentation that is driving new demand and opportunities, supported by initiatives such as the recently launched 24-hour tourism information hotline,” said Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
According to Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report, Bahrain’s hospitality market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.8% between 2011 and 2016, with the relatively high growth attributed to opportunities for sector recovery following a challenging 2012, prompting forecasted tourism arrival CAGR growth of 2.9% through to 2022.
Bahrain’s international airport is due to begin work on its expansion programme this year, which will boost passenger capacity to 13.5 million visitors according to HVS Dubai’s Q2 2012 Middle East Hotel Survey, and is due for completion in 2015.
The total contribution of travel and tourism to Bahrain’s GDP is forecast to rise by 4.5% from US$3.97 billion (16.5% of GDP) in 2011 to US$6.16 billion (17.4%) by 2021, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).