THERE has been a 50 per cent rise in tourism facilities in Bahrain over the past two years, according to Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi.
She told MPs during their weekly session yesterday that since the launch of the National Tourism Strategy in 2021, the country has witnessed vast developments in the tourism sector.
The minister was commenting on a Royal Decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad during the National Assembly’s recess amending some provisions of Decree 15 of 1986 regarding the regulation of tourism.
“There is a continuous growth in the sector as we see more interest from investors and requests to open tourist facilities,” said Ms Al Sairafi.
“The previous provisions didn’t allow for gradual administrative action,” she added.
“But now with step-by-step administrative action, we see there is more interest from investors and requests to open tourist facilities.
“Over the past two years and since the launch of the strategy, the country has seen a 50pc increase in the number of tourist facilities.”
She explained that under the amendments, the gradual administrative action would be an authorisation for the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
“I will just have the power to address the grievances as a minister.”
MP Jalal Kadhem said Bahrain had better religious tourism potential than Iraq.
“We have mosques, poets, preachers and intellects and even Ashoora activities that no other country in the world can boast of, including Iraq,” he said.
“There are 850 ma’atams in Bahrain but foreign preachers and reciters are being disallowed from entering the country while low-grade and fallen artists are being brought in during Formula One.
“The country brags about religious tolerance, when we as a sect don’t get the respect we deserve.”
The unanimously approved decree will be now reviewed by the Shura Council.
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