Bahrain’s cafés, restaurants, hotels and lounges are set to be packed to capacity as football fever reaches its peak ahead of the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final, with many venues reporting full bookings and scrambling to create extra seating for supporters.
The biggest rush is for tonight’s blockbuster semi-final between Spain and France and tomorrow night’s clash featuring Argentina and England, while reservations for the final have already closed at some venues.
Several hotels, cafés and shopping complexes are now arranging additional tables, chairs and giant screens to cope with overwhelming demand, with business owners describing the final week of the tournament as their ‘busiest period in years’.
Arizona Café owner and Marmaris Restaurants Group chief executive officer Eman Baljeek said every seat had been snapped up. “The whole café is fully booked and the response has exceeded all expectations,” she told the GDN.
“We are even opening adjoining wedding halls at Marmaris to accommodate the huge number of football fans. These are exciting days for everyone and we are ready to welcome supporters for what promises to be an unforgettable finish to the World Cup.”
Owner Salah Ali of Layali Al Oruba Café in Hamala said the tournament had transformed business. “It has been an incredible event for cafés and restaurants. We only wish the World Cup came around more often than every four years!” he said.
“The semi-finals and final have attracted overwhelming demand because the match timings suit everyone. We are completely full, although the third-place play-off is receiving very little interest despite the nature of the four involved teams in the semi-finals. I suppose almost everyone is waiting for the big matches.”
Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman, Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society vice-chairwoman and Better Life Society vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan said the tournament had delivered a major economic boost.
“The World Cup has energised businesses across Bahrain,” she said. “Restaurants, cafés, hotels, retailers and shopping centres are all benefiting from the increased activity. It is exactly the type of international event that stimulates spending, supports small businesses and brings families and friends together.”
She said the excitement had spread well beyond hospitality, with retailers also enjoying brisk sales of football shirts, scarves and other merchandise.
Business leaders say the tournament has once again demonstrated the positive impact major sporting events can have on the local economy, with hospitality venues, retailers and service providers all sharing in the winning streak.
“While attention will briefly turn to the third-place play-off, there is little doubt where the kingdom’s football fans will be focused – on the semi-finals and the eagerly anticipated World Cup final, where every available seat has already become the hottest ticket in town,” said Dr Al Qattan.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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