MANAMA: With revenues from tourism sector reaching BD228million in 2014, the hospitality sector remains as one of the most vibrant sectors of the national economy, according to the Minister.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed R. Alzayani was speaking as he held talks with a large number of hoteliers from various levels in Bahrain at the Regency Inter-Continental Hotel.
The number of visitors to the Kingdom of Bahrain during the past year is about 10 million visitors, an increase of 11.1% compared with 2013. GCC visitors in 2014 totaled about 6.6 million visitors, an increase of 16.8% compared with 2013. The citizens of Saudi Arabia got the largest share of the GCC citizens for the same year about 6 million visitors, an increase of 19.3% compared to 2013.
Bahrain hotels recorded occupancy rate of 50.2% in 2014, achieving an increase of 11.6% compared to 2013 which amounted about 45%.
During the meeting were traded and discuss ideas and proposals and concerns and difficulties facing the caterers, hoteliers expressed their satisfaction with the terms of this gesture is an opportunity to present ideas and proposals for caterers and in General, affirming the Minister’s monthly meeting will be to identify new developments and share ideas, initiatives and diagnose problems and offer appropriate solutions jointly.
And at the open discussion that followed the presentation made by the Assistant Undersecretary of Tourism Sheikh Khalid bin Hu’mood Al Khalifa about the remarkable growth of tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister said “the government supports all initiatives and ideas that meet government and Bahrain Economic Vision ambitious that focus on developing vital sectors and involve all parties to create jobs and achieve quality and competitiveness. There is a strong tendency to raise the level of service and innovation in tourism interfaces for investors and patrons from inside and outside the Kingdom. the minister added “the ministry welcomes all ideas and initiatives that pours in this direction, and well work hand in hand with all investors to highlight tourist features enjoyed by the Kingdom as well as shopping malls and heritage markets in addition to provide and develop tourist projects”.
During the presentation that was presented by Undersecretary of Tourism, Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa showing that tourism growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain witnessed an impressive growth. Tourist facilities revenues from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2014 reached about BD228 million, an increase of 17.4% compared to the same period in 2013.
The Minister confirmed government keenness on application laws and regulations which is in the end on favor of the national economy and provide legal protection for all economic projects.