NEWS that Bahrain’s tourism ministry will organise tours for Gulf Air transit passengers is very welcome.
This step will, no doubt, introduce travellers to places of tourist and archaeological interest and help promote Bahrain. Now that this step has been taken, it needs concerted efforts by government agencies as well as citizens and residents to succeed since the tour will last only three hours.
During that time, it will need all the support, assistance and good and courteous treatment from the people. This will leave a good impression and show the hospitality and sophistication of the people.
Tourism will not succeed unless there is a tourist mentality, mood and behaviour that is manifested in the interaction of society with its individuals, segments and groups, such as flexibility, welcome, tolerance, understanding and acceptance of the other and values, principles and ethics.
These can be learnt through programmes, plans and awareness and educational messages about the importance of tourism as a power that will contribute to the recovery of the national economy and will be reflected directly on society.
This responsibility has to be shared if we want to make this experiment, the first of its kind, a success at the official level. Although this tour will be free, I hope it will be well-organised. It is the duty of everyone not to skimp on providing all the capabilities and be honourable.
This will show the advanced level that Bahrain has reached in various fields. Attention to detail in the administrative and logistical organisation is a priority, so that we leave a good and wonderful impact on the travellers. This will encourage them to plan to visit it in the future.
Many are still ignorant of what Bahrain has to offer in tourism potential and its long-standing history, civilisation and generous and genuine people. I hope the ministry will develop a comprehensive plan to highlight the name of Bahrain on the world map.
It is a huge challenge defining Bahrain globally, as many do not know anything about Bahrain or where it is. There is no doubt that achieving this vision and goal requires allocating a huge budget, external participation, advertisements, and a lot of marketing, public relations, and media campaigns.
I also hope that the ministry will succeed in implementing this dream within the framework of its strategic plan for tourism, which aims to diversify Bahrain’s economic portfolio, contribute to the national economy, increase its competitiveness, and attract more investments.
By Zuhair A Tawfiqi
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