AUTHORITIES have been urged to launch entertainment activities like hot air balloon rides and free fall skydiving in the southern part of Bahrain, which has witnessed massive developments over the last few years.
Newly-elected Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif believes such facilities would boost the tourism potential of the area, which already hosts major attractions including the Exhibition World Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit, Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve, Al Dana Amphitheatre and Bilaj Al Jazayer.
Mr Abdullatif also suggested that a private indoor skydiving facility in the governorate could expand its scope by venturing outdoors and hosting balloon rides and other adrenalin-fuelled fun activities.
He requested the Tourism Ministry to hold talks with owners of the facility.
However, he added that if the centre is not too keen on taking up the project, it could be offered to other local, regional or international investors.
“If we receive a positive feedback from any investor, we will extend all support and fast-track other permits in partnership with the concerned ministries and government bodies,” claimed Mr Abdullatif.
“Some officials have expressed concern that the service could interfere with air traffic or trespass on major facilities at the nearby Shaikh Isa Air Base. We can choose a different route for the services or operate them during specific times and days recommended by the Base.
“Dubai has just started offering hot air balloon service at an altitude of 4,000 feet in the desert. Bahrain shouldn’t lag behind,” he added.
Mr Abdullatif asserted that such facilities would attract young tourists and thrill-seekers to the country.
“It would be romantic for someone to propose while in a hot air balloon or during a free-fall, or for newly-married couples to take photographs from a balloon. There are multiple ideas that could make things work better,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“The Tourism Ministry must negotiate with the private skydiving facility since it is offering tube skydiving services and could have the expansion idea in mind. If not, we can offer it to other private bidders.”
Mr Abdullatif was elected unopposed by his nine colleagues during the first meeting of the four-year term yesterday in the presence of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak and other senior officials at the Southern Municipality in West Riffa.
Abdulla Bubshait was elected as vice-chairman unopposed.
Meanwhile, area councillor Hamad Al Zoubi backed the proposal.
“Daredevil adventures will not only attract those who love them, but also create a buzz in the area and draw more businesses including hotels, shopping centres and tourism sites,” he added.
“I am putting my name forward to test the hot air balloons and free-fall skydiving services if an investor comes forward. As an area representative, I can vouch for their safety by opting for a test ride!”
In skydiving, free-fall begins as soon as you exit a plane and ends when the parachute is deployed and is fully open.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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