The kingdom’s hospitality sector is hoping for a big business boost during the upcoming Eid holidays, with hotels witnessing a rise in bookings from GCC residents, as well as Bahrainis who are opting for staycations instead of travelling abroad.
Tens of thousands of people are also expected to travel into the kingdom through King Fahad Causeway for the holiday.
Hotel officials told the GDN that they have seen a rise in bookings from Bahrainis and visitors from across the GCC, with Saudi Arabia leading the way.
“We are pleased to see that this holiday season is shaping up to be a busy one,” Hilton Bahrain general manager Tamer Farouk told the GDN.
“We have observed a significant increase in visitors from the GCC, indicating that the kingdom is becoming an increasingly popular destination.
“The government’s efforts to promote tourism have been instrumental in attracting these visitors, highlighting Bahrain’s rich culture, natural beauty and exceptional hospitality.”
Mr Farouk added that the hotel is excited to provide a warm welcome to their guests during this special time.
“Eid is a meaningful occasion for families, so we have organised a variety of fun activities for children. The lobby will feature cheer mascots, tasty treats and child-friendly entertainment to create a joyful atmosphere,” he said.
“We are also offering two special brunches. On the first day, we will host a Pyjama Brunch, and on the second day, there will be a carnival-themed brunch with delicious food, engaging entertainment and fun games.
“Our aim is to create a welcoming environment for families and friends to celebrate together and make wonderful memories at the hotel.”
InterContinental Bahrain’s sales and marketing director Visnja Vuco said visitors from other GCC countries have accounted for a substantial proportion of their bookings.
“We are also noticing an increasing interest from international travellers, particularly from various Asian countries, as Bahrain continues to reinforce its position as a preferred destination for Eid celebrations,” she said.
Ms Vuco highlighted that several Bahraini families were also increasingly opting for staycation experiences.
“We are offering a variety of customised family stay packages designed to deliver a luxurious and memorable experience. Among the most popular offerings this year are our Eid Brunch packages, available on the second and third day of Eid,” she added.
“These special brunches will feature an elaborate buffet with a selection of traditional and international specialties, supplemented by live cooking stations.”
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is also seeing a large number of guests from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, and the hotel has introduced new touches to make this Eid season memorable for guests.
“We have a variety of programmes lined up, including children’s activities, a delicious brunch on the first day of Eid at La Plage, a White Party on the beach on April 3 and BBQ Nights at La Plage on April 4,” said the hotel’s sales and distribution director Michael Mounir.
“Our guests can also discover our newly-renovated rooms and experience unparalleled premium offers of the Deluxe Room Club. Families looking for a more private retreat can stay in our refurbished three-bedroom villa, which includes a private pool and beach access.”
He noted that the hotel’s most popular package is the ‘Stay Longer On US’ which provides guests with significant savings on stays of three nights or more.
julia@gdnmedia.bh