In a panel discussion at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, Sarah Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), highlighted Bahrain’s dedication to promoting seamless integration of tourism across the Arab Gulf nations. She emphasized the crucial role that such integration plays in accelerating the growth of the tourism sector and enhancing its impact on economic, social, cultural, and civilizational advancement in the region.
Joined by ministers from GCC states, the discussion, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Economy, focused on strategies to facilitate and strengthen tourism while exploring opportunities for inter-GCC collaboration. Buhijji stressed the importance of advocating for broader dissemination of agreements among Gulf nations to establish the region as a leading model for sustainable tourism development.
She also emphasized the need for more Gulf tourism initiatives, especially as this year marks the celebration of Manama’s designation as the capital of Gulf tourism. Buhijji highlighted the cultural and artistic initiatives, promotional campaigns, and diverse tourism packages launched to commemorate this milestone.
Furthermore, Buhijji outlined the progress made by Bahrain in advancing its tourism sector, aligning with national objectives to boost contributions to national development and prosperity. She presented data showcasing the expansion of Bahrain’s tourism sector within the Tourism Strategy (2022-2026) framework and highlighted the inauguration of five new hotels in commemoration of a national occasion.
Bahrain’s evolving tourism infrastructure, including attractions like the Dana Amphitheater and Exhibition World Bahrain, further solidify its appeal for tourism investment. Buhijji also underscored the importance of ongoing dialogues and collaboration to drive job creation, diversify income streams, and boost the region’s GDP through the tourism sector.