Twelve cruise ships will arrive in Bahrain this month as part of the Bahrain Festive Season 2024.
This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to bolster the maritime tourism sector and achieve the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, said Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) chief executive Sara Buhijji.
She added that the 2024-2025 cruise ship season, which started last month and continues until April 2025, will see the arrival of 40 cruise ships bringing in 100,000 tourists from all over the world, especially the European nations.
Tourists receiving a royal greeting
Ms Buhijji stressed that receiving the 12 luxury cruise ships highlights Bahrain’s position as a leading tourist destination in the region.
One of the cruise ships docked in Bahrain
She highlighted the arrival of the Greek vessel Celestyal Journey on its inaugural visit to the Gulf, the French ship Le Bougainville, and ships from the German AIDA and Swiss-Italian MSC Cruises fleets.
“These visits give tourists the opportunity to enjoy the events of the Bahrain Festive Season 2024 season and winter beach tourism experiences,” she said.
A tourist poses with a falcon and a woman dressed in traditional Bahraini clothes
“Additionally tourists will visit commercial markets, malls, heritage and archaeological sites, as part of the tourist tours organised by BTEA to allow them to get to know the distinctive identity of Bahrain.”
She pointed out that receiving tourists contributes to stimulating economic activity and supports a number of vital related sectors, such as retail, transportation, and services, which enhances the contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product.
A group of visitors
Ms Buhijji praised the efforts of the Cruise Arabia Alliance, which includes Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman, in promoting the Arabian Gulf region as a single distinguished destination, and enhancing inter-tourism between the countries of the region.
Traditional welcome for cruise tourists
“This co-operation has contributed to attracting major international cruise ship operators to the region, and BTEA’s team continues to co-ordinate with representatives of these companies to attract more ships and tourists.
A photograph “I love Bahrain”
The Bahrain Festive Season 2024 offers a variety of entertainment events and activities throughout this month, in co-operation with the private sector, enhancing Bahrain’s position as a leading regional and international tourist destination.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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