Bahrain Tourism
The tourist industry in Bahrain has suffered as a direct result of the cancelation of the F1 and the ongoing troubles that are happening within Bahrain. All plans that where in the pipeline have been put on hold and the industry as a whole is struggling to stay afloat as protestors regularly block routes and take to anarchy late at night. This has resulted in the sounds of guns, tear gas and people demonstrating on an almost nightly basis in or near Manama, which is where a lot of the hotels and restaurants are located.
Travelling late at night is not advisable whilst the trouble is ongoing and this has also had a detrimental effect on the tourist trade.
Saudi Arabia is fearful that the trouble will spread across its own borders and has therefore made it very difficult for Saudi’s to use the causeway or gain access to Bahrain.
The weekend flow of Saudi’s flocking across the causeway has been the lifeline of the Bahrain Tourist Industry due to the difficulty in getting across the border this lifeline is now shrinking.
Having said all of that, Bahrain still has a chance to pull itself back from the brink of collapse and once again thrive as a major tourist destination for the Middle East.
It’s future as a major tourist destination now depends on how the authorities deal with the protestors and how quickly they can resolve the problems.
Bahrain projections & Information pre 2011 trouble
The
Government of Bahrain has adopted an economic diversification plan that
has effectively facilitated the development of various tertiary industries,
namely banking, insurance, andtitle
tourism. In 1975 the first tourism department was set up as the tourist
authority.
Ten years later, the Supreme Council for Tourism was formed under the chairmanship of the Minister of Information and the membership of key people representing both the Public and Private sectors.
Bahrain receives over two million tourists a year and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. The maajority of tourists are from Arab states with Saudi nationals making up a large proportion. The weekends can see the islands population double as Saudi Nationals flock to the island to take advantage of the more liberal laws. There is also an increasing number of tourists from outside the region who are interested in the Kingdom’s rich heritage.
Bahrain combines Arab culture, modern archetecture, glitz and five thousand years of civilisation. The ancient civilisation of Dilmun, which dominated trade between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization, was centred in Bahrain. The inhabitants of Dilmun left behind settlements and temples and tens of thousands of burial mounds which dot the landscape.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is an important annual event which attracts visitors from all over the world. If you are planning on visiting Bahrain during the F1 race then it is advised that you book your hotel, flight & car hire a long time in advance as this period can see large price rises, fully booked hotels, car rental & flights.
The growth of tourism has been contributed to the following qualities:-
Geographical location of Bahrain
Moderate climate most of the year
Richness in history and heritage
Well established infrastructure
Well established transport network and telecommunication services
Adequate tourist amenities including a wide range of accommodation facilities
State of the art exhibition and conference facilities
And last but not least,the unique friendliness and hospitality of the Bahraini people.
.jpg "Great deals on Arabic perfume & Arabian perfume oils when you shop online.")
However, in order to sustain this development, and to position itself as an exclusive and unique destination, the Government of Bahrain has adopted progressive measures to create a better climate for the emerging CULTURAL and SPECIAL INTEREST, particularly MICE segments, as well as for potential investors.
The introduction of a liberal visa policy that offers easy access to business and leisure visitors from Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and USA, who may obtain entry visas or multiple re-entry visas upon arrival in Bahrain.
Issuing entry vis as upon arrival to all residents of the GCC
The allocation of wide areas on land, and in the sea around the island for reclamation, in order to set up new tourist projects like deluxe family oriented resorts and theme parks, taking into consideration minimum negative impact on the environment
Supporting the private sector and foreign investments in such projects
Improving and expanding the standard of service infrastructure at historical and heritage sites
Re-evaluation and reclassification of.
A large investment of public and private money has been planned in order to improve infrastructure, commerce and tourism in Bahrain.
Given the fact that Bahrain is an island means that considerable development in infrastructure that allows easy access from other countries is of foremost importance to the tourist industry. The most important planned improvements planned are as follows:-
A US$3 billion project to build a 40-km link between Bahrain and Qatar. Upon its completion in 2013, the Friendship Causeway will open Bahrain up to a potential market of more than 1,000,000 Qatari visitors.
US$300 million expansion and refurbishment programme of Bahrain International Airport. When the expansion is completed in 2010, the airport will have a new terminal and capacity for 15 million passengers.
Water access has already been improved by the construction of the Khalifa bin Salman Port (completed in 2008); the dedicated cruise terminal, developed by APM Terminals, is scheduled to be operational in 2009 and it is expected to provide demand for hotel accommodation.
Improving the public transport system by building a Light Rail Transit (LRT), connecting Juffair with Manama and the Diplomatic District with the airport. This project is expected to be completed by 2013.
Pursuing the strategic development goal of increasing tourism revenues to 10% of GDP by 2014.
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