Bahrain targets 15 million visitors by 2018

In a bid to boost investment in Bahrain’s tourism sector, the Economic Development Board (EDB) participated in a roundtable session titled ‘Uncovering Bahrain’ at the on-going Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) 2016.

The roundtable aimed to highlight and promote discussion around tourism related investment opportunities in Bahrain, including an array of identified tourism development districts. Leading investors and developers from the hotel industry also discussed the Kingdom’s thriving hospitality sector, Bahrain’s infrastructure investment programme, and its economic value proposition.

Reflecting increased demand from both regional and international travelers, Bahrain’s tourism market, which currently comprises approximately six percent of GDP, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8%, reaching US$1 billion by 2020.

The hotels and restaurants sector was the fastest growing sector in the Kingdom for the past two years, expanding by 10% in 2014 and by 7.3% in 2015. Bahrain attracted a total of 11.6 million tourists in 2015, up 11% from the previous year.

Jerad Bachar, executive director of tourism and leisure at the EDB said: “There is strong investment currently underway in Bahrain’s tourism sector, stemming from both private and public sector sources. There is investment throughout the tourism ecosystem including accommodation, technology, ground transportation, airport infrastructure, and retail centres.”

Bahrain is home to 120 hotels including high quality brands such as the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, Sofitel, ART Rotana, Marriott, Le Méridien and the Westin.

The country is investing heavily in large infrastructure projects which will have direct benefits to the sector, including the US$ one billion Bahrain International Airport Modernisation Programme.  Other development projects driven by recent investment include the Avenues Mall and the One and Only Resort and Spa, both currently under construction.