Efforts to attract sports fans from around the globe have paid off handsomely this year as F1 enthusiasts flock to the kingdom to enjoy the action on and off the track for the opening race weekend of the season, delighted tourism bosses have revealed, writes Stanley Szecowka.
In coordination with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and the concerned authorities in the public and private sectors, the Ministry of Tourism, has completed all its preparations to promote the 2024 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix through a variety of tourism and entertainment events.
Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi stressed that the Formula One race remained a ‘key element’ of the success of the kingdom’s tourism strategy, explaining that over the past two decades the race weekend had achieved ‘outstanding tourism benefits’ by enhancing Bahrain’s position as a ‘preferred regional tourist destination regionally and globally’.
The minister revealed that the event has led to ‘doubling occupancy rates’ at hotels and resorts, as well as enhancing the supporting sectors such as shopping malls, logistics, technology and others.
The Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) intensified its efforts this year to mark the 20th anniversary of Bahrain International Circuit hosting F1 races.
Several marketing campaigns and promotional activities were highlighted under the banner of ‘20 Years of a Modern Classic’ to attract even more tourists from markets around the world, supported by key partnerships with international tour operators.
Delighted Chief Executive Officer of BIC, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said: "This year we are celebrating two decades of successfully hosting one of the world's largest sporting events attracting sell-out crowds alongside millions of motorsport enthusiasts also tuning into the action.
"On this occasion, we renew our thanks and appreciation to our partners, the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, for the events organised to support the F1 race, making the kingdom the ideal destination for sports tourism enthusiasts, especially motorsports!"
The BIC Fan Village in Adliya’s Block 338, staged over two consecutive weeks, has also proved to be an outstanding success too, attracting numerous social media influencers pushing the kingdom’s welcoming tourism message far and wide.
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