I wrote an earlier article about the need to organise musical events in all of Bahrain’s governorates and the need to exploit the beautiful gardens and walkways that, in my view, are not being utilised fully.
With the summer nearly over, the weather will soon begin to improve and, until at least May, it will be pleasant. It is then people start to come out and spend time in parks and gardens. So it is now that the authorities should do something and take steps to make those months purposeful.
I am not sure which ministry or authority will take the initiative but whoever it is, I hope they are realistic and innovative and take such steps that would benefit the common people.
For starters, there should be agreements with Bahraini amateur folk bands and singers who would definitely receive a boost at the beginning of their careers to gain in self-confidence and give them an opportunity to become popular. In this way, not only will they receive a great boost, their engagement would not cost much.
It is very important to use weekends and public holidays to organise entertainment events and one will certainly see positive results. People are desperate for outdoor activities and spend their time listening to folk and traditional music. During the summer, such activities cannot be held outdoors because of the weather conditions and now is the time for everyone to come out from the closed confines of air-conditioned malls. Of course, another issue is that not everyone can go to malls and shopping complexes since the costs there are beyond the reach of many.
Bahrain has a lot of tourism potential but this is unfortunately not exploited. Take marine sports and other activities, for example, which benefit only a few. Even the Sakhir area is not properly exploited so as to benefit a large number of people. Of course, there are many announcements every now and then about several projects but nothing is actually seen on the ground.
Inbound tourism plays an important role in diversifying Bahrain’s sources of income and we know that it is important. The large numbers of people from Saudi Arabia who come to Bahrain play an important role in this respect. What is lacking are programmes for families and those that cater to the local population.
In my view, an independent tourism authority should be set up immediately, that would be tasked with setting up plans and programmes and apply them on the ground. The sooner that is done the better it is.
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