Bahrain being named the ‘Capital of Gulf Tourism’ for 2024 has brought into sharp focus outstanding contributions and discernible impact of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority’s (BTEA) on elevating the tourism sector in the region with its proactive understanding of the significance of tourism as a major non-oil economic contributor and the promotion of collaborative endeavours within the Gulf tourism industry.
This effort has been spearheaded by the CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority, Dr Nasser Al Qaedi, who since he took over the post in 2020 has ensured that the sector has had exponential growth and constantly exceeded targets and expectations with dynamic and innovative campaigns to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain – locally, regionally and internationally.
In an in-depth conversation with Life N Style Magazine, Dr Nasser spoke about the achievements of the BTEA and laid out the plans for the future of this tourism juggernaut.
Since its inception in 1992, Jewellery Arabia has grown year-on-year to become one of the most influential jewellery marketplaces in the Middle East, regularly uniting over 650 global brands with 60,000+ avid buyers. What can we expect from this largest jewellery show in the Middle East this year?
Dr Nasser Al Qaedi: Jewellery Arabia is one of the leading jewellery marketplaces in the Middle East, and it has been successful in boosting Bahrain’s global position in the MICE large industry over the past three decades.
Last year, Jewellery Arabia registered the highest sales records compared to the previous editions. The value of exhibited local products was BD 888 million, compared with BD 510 million in 2021, marking a 74% increase. The value of imported products was BD 24 million, compared with BD 20 million in 2021, marking an increase of 17.6%. The increase is 75% compared to 2019 and 98% compared to 2018.
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the 31st edition of Jewellery Arabia, which will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir, from November 14 to 18.
Thanks to Exhibition World Bahrain’s huge potential as the Middle East’s newest and largest convention and exhibition centre, Informa Markets was able to double the size of Jewellery Arabia last year, exceeding 54,000 sqm.
This year, the exhibition will be held in five halls with brand-new features, including a VIP room to network and relax. On top of that, a dedicated wristwatch area will be set up for watch enthusiasts and collectors. The returning Jewellery Arabia ‘Rising Stars’ pavilion will give young jewellery designers the opportunity to showcase their designs. Gold Souq, another successful feature of Jewellery Arabia, will be returning this year. In addition to introducing new ranges of ultra-high-end jewellery and watches for the first time.
Dubai Design Academy, which provides accredited professional jewellery-making and design courses in the UAE, is offering workshops throughout Jewellery Arabia.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced jewellery makers and designers and to create their own unique pieces of jewellery.
Bahrain was recently named ‘Capital of the Gulf Tourism’ for 2024. This is due to the significant push made by the BTEA and the Ministry of Tourism to proactively promote Bahrain as a unique tourism destination. We have heard about the multitude of things being planned to further enhance tourism on the island – the beachfront properties and chalets etc can you give us a sneak peek?
The Kingdom of Bahrain earned this prestigious designation due to its outstanding contributions and evident impact on elevating the Gulf tourism sector. Recognised for its proactive understanding of the significance of tourism as a major non-oil economic contributor, Bahrain’s efforts stood out in promoting collaborative endeavours within the Gulf tourism industry. The country’s foresight in recognising tourism’s potential as a vital sector capable of driving economic growth and ensuring sustainable development played a significant role in this decision.
This consensus among Gulf nations underscores the Kingdom’s steadfast dedication to bolstering tourism competitiveness throughout the region. The aim is to establish this sector as a cornerstone supporting the Gulf economies and a substantial contributor to the national income of the region’s countries.
It also shines a spotlight on the pivotal role of significant investments in enhancing tourism infrastructure and elevating environmental standards and sustainability in hotels and tourist establishments.
Bahrain is situated to add exceptional value to the maritime and waterfront industries, ensuring the best possible experience for GCC citizens, residents, and tourists worldwide in the Kingdom, supported by world-class infrastructure, a convenient location at the heart of the Middle East, and a broad selection of attractions and activities. BTEA will spare no effort to explore more creative ways to enhance tourism competence.
Bahrain’s marine tourism industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy, and the Government is committed to preserving the country’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
Our tourism vision lies in shifting the Kingdom into an ideal island destination with the tangible boom of the marine tourism industry, thanks to its stunning archipelago, rich marine life, and pristine beaches. Bahrain offers a range of water sports and activities, including scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, and sailing, as well as pearling, fishing trips and dolphin-watching tours. Visitors can also enjoy a range of luxury experiences, such as private yacht charters, sunset cruises, and beachfront resorts.
Based on its rich cultural identity and multiple appealing attractions that cater to all ages, the Kingdom is strongly positioned to preserve its lead as the preferred destination for GCC and international travellers to the Gulf.
The Kingdom unveiled in late 2021 a new 2022–2026 tourism strategy that aims to boost the contribution of the sector to Bahrain’s GDP.
Based on this ambitious strategy, Bahrain is expected to attract over 14 million tourists by 2026. The Kingdom is also committed to sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that our tourism industry benefits the local community as well as the environment.
The strategy’s launch follows the implementation of major national tourism projects totalling BD 134 million, which comprise developing the diving waterfront, the Bahrain Bay beach project, and the Qalali Coast waterfront. The work is still in progress when it comes to several tourist resort projects, such as the Mantis Hotel and Resort in the Hawar Islands, the Tourist City project, and the Saada project, alongside the completion of the Jumeirah Bahrain Bay Resort and the Bilaj Aljazayer Beach development project.
Due to its exquisite beaches, rich cultural heritage, and booming tourism infrastructure, the Kingdom of Bahrain is on the right track to transform into the most sought-after leisure and hospitality destination in the Middle East.
The opening of the Exhibition World, the one-of-its-kind exhibition and convention centre created a buzz in the region. There are a variety of awe-inspiring shows, and exhibitions in 2023, what are the plans in place for 2024, and will the focus also be on MICE tourism?
Since its opening in November 2022, EWB has become an internationally recognized venue for the MICE industry. The quality, professional teams, and comprehensive facilities make EWB one of the most popular venues in the Middle East.
In its inaugural year, EWB successfully hosted a variety of international conventions and exhibitions and welcomed numerous delegates from around the globe. The centre has secured over 200 bookings for various event types and sizes, both locally and internationally.
Bahrain is well-known for its large exhibitions like Jewellery Arabia, the Autumn Fair, the Middle East Oil & Gas Show (MEOS) and the Middle East Geosciences Conference & Exhibition (GEO), and EWB is keen to attract various prestigious functions and events that tackle topical issues such as sustainable development, FinTech, digital transformation, AI and data, supply chains and logistics, smart cities, green economies, renewable energy, mobility decarbonisation, and much more.
To date, EWB has proudly hosted a total of 142 events, attracting over half a million local and international visitors, and is targeting multiple sizeable local, regional, and international exhibitions and conventions for the rest of this year.
EWB is ramping up its efforts to host a vast array of events in the coming months. The Centre will see the return of the annual Jewellery Arabia, Cityscape Bahrain, and Scent Arabia exhibitions in November, along with the Autumn Fair, Arab International Cyber Security Summit, and Manama Health Conference and Exhibition in December.
To date, EWB has proudly hosted a total of 142 events, attracting over half a million local and international visitors, and is targeting multiple sizeable local, regional, and international exhibitions and conventions for the rest of this year.
EWB has a full agenda of renowned local, regional, and international events scheduled for 2024, including large conventions and exhibitions as well as live concerts, galas, large-scale weddings, banquets, graduation celebrations, product launches and other events.
With the backing of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and other local authorities, organisations, and associations in the Kingdom, EWB is on track to win new bids for several significant regional and worldwide conferences.
EWB continues to get a strong level of interest from regional and international clients and event organisers interested in organising their events in the Centre and in Bahrain as an ideal MICE destination. The EWB team is working around the clock to attract major events to the Kingdom, actively contributing to the growth of our tourism sector and impacting the national economy.
EWB, in collaboration with BTEA, has developed direct contacts with top wedding planners and bridal event stakeholders, offering special wedding services and promoting Bahrain’s distinctive elements in wedding planning for the sake of attracting more potential wedding couples and families regionally and globally, supporting EWB’s endeavour to become a key player in hosting large events of any type and size.
EWB will also host the 9th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024, the world’s largest gastronomy tourism event, after the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) recent announcement to name the Kingdom of Bahrain to host this prestigious event for the first time in the Region, which reflects the Kingdom’s exceptional tourism and entertainment capabilities as one of the leading gastronomy and gourmet destinations in the Middle East.
Eco-tourism is gaining a steady foothold in Bahrain, and there are already three UNESCO Heritage Sites: Dilmun Burial Mounds; Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy; and Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun. How is the Tourism Ministry and BTEA planning to enhance the experience of eco-tourism?
There are considerably more appealing things to do and see when it comes to eco-tourism. From historic attractions to water activities and unique scenery, the Kingdom caters to countless tourism interests.
The Ministry and BTEA are working closely to boost eco-tourism experiences, where marine enthusiasts have the chance to plunge into pearl diving to learn more about Bahrain’s rich seafaring legacy or observe part of the second-largest herd of 150-250 dugongs in their natural habitat, the Hawar Islands.
Heritage enthusiasts can explore Manama Souq, one of the region’s oldest markets, with plentiful souvenir shops, gold and jewellery outlets, and traditional breakfast restaurants.
Along with visiting Bahrain Fort, one of the Gulf’s few UNESCO World Heritage sites, with over 5,000 years of history, and the Pearling Path, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which can be experienced and visited at any point of its 3.5km stretch that snakes through the old alleyways of Muharraq, The Dilmun Burial Mounds in the Aali Area are another UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the rich history of the early Dilmun period.
Sports tourism is at an all-time high with the Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 being a soldout event and registering the most number of international visitors and now DP World Tour is making a long-awaited return for the first time in 13 years with the Bahrain Championship, set to take place at Royal Golf Club – tell us more about the role that sports tourism in the larger scheme of things?
Bringing one of the most renowned sports championships across the globe to Bahrain comes in line with the Kingdom’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026), which prioritizes sports tourism as one of its main pillars. This will increase interest in the Kingdom and its distinctive tourism initiatives and capabilities on a global scale, placing Bahrain at the forefront of the region’s fastest-growing tourism sectors.
These prestigious events are an integral part of BTEA’s steady strides to promote Bahrain as an international tourism hub and enhance tourism product diversification by focusing on sports and recreation tourism.
These major sports events will showcase Bahrain to a huge global audience as a favourable tourism destination with plenty of historical monuments, museums, retail centres, beaches, water sports, and numerous hotels and resorts, offering an unforgettable experience for all types of travellers seeking a unique holiday.
Sakhir, home of the Middle East’s motorsport and F1, is becoming one of Bahrain’s most vibrant areas, hosting the Kingdom’s up-and-coming hub for events, sports, and entertainment. With the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), there will be the soon-to-be developed Bahrain International Sports City, with easy access to the new Bahrain International Airport, over 18,000 hotel rooms, and a wide range of attractions and dining experiences.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is gearing up for the FIBA 3×3 Basketball which will be held on November 16th and 17th at Bahrain Harbour for the first time in the Kingdom. The FIBA 3×3 Manama Masters is a highly anticipated basketball tournament organized by the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Bahrain Basketball Association, and the General Sports Authority. This tournament will feature some of the best 3×3 basketball teams from around the world going head-to-head in a thrilling competition.
After its incredible debut last year, the World Series of Darts, featuring the best players across the globe, returns to BIC on 18 and 19 January 2024, supported by BTEA.
The DP World Tour is set to return to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time in 13 years with the Bahrain Championship scheduled to take place at Royal Golf Club from February 1-4, 2024. Organising this event is part of Bahrain’s continued commitment to supporting various sports, including golf.
Which regions and countries are we focussing on tourism from and where is the most of our current tourist influx from?
The Kingdom witnessed during the last nine months a tangible increase in tourism traffic from different regions across the world, mainly from the GCC, Europe, India, China, and more markets, and we are still working vigorously to attract more tourists from these targeted regions.
In collaboration with tourism partners, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority has launched special packages to welcome tourists from the GCC countries and other nationalities, ensuring exciting times at many attractive events by celebrating several seasons.
The tourism packages grant tourists and visitors the opportunity to visit or stop in Bahrain with hotel reservations, enjoy sightseeing activities tailored to their budget, and access to events and celebrations.
What is your vision for Bahrain as a global destination in the next five years?
Bahrain is set to become a global destination in the next five years. The destination’s tourism sector exceeded the targets set last year under its 2022–26 tourism strategy.
According to the 2022 statistics, the number of visitors arriving for tourism purposes reached 9.9 million, up by 19% over the target number of 8.3 million visitors.
Inbound tourism in Bahrain recovered by 90% in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels, exceeding the international recovery average of 65% anticipated by the World Tourism Organisation.
As for the first six month of 2023, the number of inbound tourists increased by 51%, reaching 5.9 million visitors, up from 3.9 million visitors at the same time in 2022. Total overnights reached 8.9 million overnights for January-June 2023, up 54% from 5.8 million overnights over the same period in 2022.
According to the trip types, the same-day visitors reported a 43% increase from 2.3 million visitors during January–June 2022 to 3.3 million visitors during the same six months in 2023. Overnight visitors (tourists) increased by 63% from nearly 1.6 million visitors in the first six months of 2022 to approximately 2.6 million visitors during the same period in 2023.
These tourism indexes reflect our success in heading steadily with planned and firm steps towards accomplishing the KPIs according to the tourism strategy 2022–2026, which aims to turn the Kingdom into a preferable tourism destination globally by diversifying the tourism product and increasing the targeted countries.
Based on these positive figures, we are eager for more success stories in tourism in the company of our key partners and stakeholders as we move forward with more festivities and entertaining events to come. Lots of tourism events are on the way, with a calendar full of festivals at various locations and venues across Bahrain throughout the coming years.
In line with the Kingdom’s new 2022-2026 tourism strategy, Bahrain is expected to attract over 14 million tourists by 2026, supported by more tourism investments and projects in the pipeline to increase several appealing attractions in the Kingdom. In addition, BTEA is in the process of launching new tourism packages, festivals, entertainment activities, incentives and much more to provide exceptional experiences for all visitors.
More efforts are underway to enhance cooperation with the national carrier Gulf Air to increase inbound visitors on its fleet and utilise its widespread network of destinations worldwide, which will assist us in achieving the tourism strategy goals to diversify tourism products and boost Bahrain’s air connectivity to attract more targeted markets and regions.
