Manama, Mar.26 (BNA): Bahrain’s four-year tourism strategy aims to spur the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 11.4 percent by 2026.

Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani stressed the importance of the plan which would enhance Bahrain’s standing as a tourism destination, increase the number of targeted countries and diversify tourim in the Kingdom.

“The strategy is based on seven main pillars, including work on waterfronts and activities, business tourism, sports tourism, recreational tourism, medical tourism, cultural tourism, archeology and history, media tourism and cinematography”, he said.

Al Zayani, also Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) Chairman, said that  the strategy aim to raise the total inbound tourism spending to BD 2 billion, attract 14.1 million visitors, increase the average visitor spending per day to BD74.8, and raise the average tourist nights to 3.5 days.

These targeted indicators would enhance the contribution of the tourism sector to the national economy, diversify sources of income, create more job opportunities for citizens, increase the Kingdom’s competitiveness and attract more tourism investments.

He noted that the pillars of Bahrain’s tourism strategy for the years 2022-2026 focus on facilitating entry, diversifying tourist attractions, including projects and events, marketing and promotion in partnership with the private sector and the national carrier “Gulf Air”, and enhancing tourism accommodation.