Manama has been designated as the Gulf Tourism Capital for the year 2024. His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Acting Minister of Tourism, expressed that this selection underscores the Kingdom of Bahrain's significant role in supporting comprehensive tourism efforts at the regional level. It aims to encourage intra-tourism among GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, foster collaboration with various regional and international entities in the realms of tourism, travel, culture, and entertainment. Additionally, it aims to develop the tourism industry in the Gulf region and promote the transition to sustainable tourism practices aligned with international best standards.
Fakhro made these remarks during his participation in the 7th meeting of Tourism Ministers from GCC countries, which commenced on Thursday, October 5, in Jabal Al-Akhdar, Oman. The event was organized and hosted by Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the GCC for the Arab States of the Gulf. Fakhro led the Bahraini delegation at the ministerial meeting, emphasizing its significance in sharing experiences and devising solutions for advancing the vital tourism sector. It also serves as an opportunity to harness the experiences of member countries to boost tourism's contribution to GDP, strengthen cooperation bonds, and enhance coordination among member states.
Fakhro highlighted the importance of the meeting in showcasing Bahrain's remarkable achievements and initiatives in elevating the tourism landscape, not only within the Gulf region but also on a global scale. He emphasized substantial investments made to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve environmental standards, and promote sustainability in hotels and tourist facilities. These efforts have been instrumental in attracting international visitors and positioning Bahrain as an appealing tourist destination.
The meeting addressed several critical agenda items, with a primary focus on expediting the global tourism sector's recovery and enhancing the flexibility and resilience of Gulf tourism in facing future challenges. Bahrain pledged to closely follow up on the decisions made by the Committee of Their Excellencies, the Tourism Ministers in the GCC.
Fakhro stressed the importance of fostering an environment conducive to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. He also advocated for the activation of sustainable tourism strategies at both regional and global levels, further solidifying the transformation of Gulf tourism destinations into sustainable entities