Technology innovation is need of the hour in Bahrain
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Investment in technology will support growth of Bahrain’s travel industry and contribute more to gross domestic product (GDP).
This mantra was resonated at a recently hosted joint event by Gulf Air and Sabre Travel Network Middle East (STNME). Aptly titled, ‘Bahrain Travel Industry: Partnership in Synergy’, the event was held under patronage of Sheikh Khaled Bin Humood Al Khalifa, acting CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA).
Key attendance included government officials and industry leaders from Bahrain, the Middle East and Europe, to discuss economic opportunities and challenges, trends shaping future of travel and contribution of the sector to Bahrain’s economy.
Sheikh Khaled Bin Humood highlighted BTEA’s strategy and vision for travel and tourism in Bahrain and highlighting Brand Bahrain, an international campaign launched last month to promote the Kingdom as a top tourist destination.
Harald Eisenächer, senior vice president, Sabre Travel Network, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “Bahrain’s travel industry is growing and is expected to increase its GDP contribution to five percent this year. Travel companies need to understand changing consumer habits and the impact mobile and online technologies are having on travel.”
He also said that while internet penetration in Bahrain is almost 100 percent, e-commerce and m-commerce were still relatively low. “There’s still a lot of concern about shopping online and sharing credit card details, which is why Sabre developed a virtual payments solution to address payment security concerns. Travel is continually transforming – it never stands still,” he further added.
The event welcomed speakers from STNME, Gulf Air, Sabre, key travel agencies in Bahrain, Bahrain Economic Development Board and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority.
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