Government policies on facilities and services provided to transit passengers and tourists will come under the spotlight during Parliament’s session on Tuesday, following a call for a general debate on Bahrain’s competitiveness as a regional tourism and aviation hub.
The request by 10 MPs, led by services committee chairman Mamdooh Al Saleh, calls on the concerned minister to attend the session and present a clear and comprehensive picture of current policies, future plans and areas requiring development.
Mr Al Saleh said the move is driven by the need to translate Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 into tangible outcomes for the tourism and aviation sectors.
“Bahrain has a strategic location, a modern airport and a national carrier with long experience,” he said. “What we need now is a clear, co-ordinated policy that maximises these strengths and turns transit passengers into actual visitors who contribute to the local economy.”
He stressed that thousands of passengers pass through Bahrain International Airport every day, representing a largely untapped opportunity.
“If even a small percentage of transit travellers choose to spend 24 or 48 hours in Bahrain, this would generate significant returns for hotels, restaurants, transport providers and small businesses,” Mr Al Saleh said. “But this requires simple, fast and attractive procedures.”
Among the key issues to be discussed are facilities and services available to transit passengers at BIA, and whether existing infrastructure can handle higher numbers and more diverse passenger needs.
MPs will also question the Tourism Ministry on its role in revitalising the sector and increasing tourist arrivals, as well as future promotional campaigns and investment plans.
Another major focus will be on visa procedures for transit passengers wishing to enter Bahrain for short stays, with legislators pushing for wider use of electronic systems and faster approvals.
“We want to know how entry visas for short-term visitors can be issued more smoothly and electronically,” Mr Al Saleh said. “Complicated or slow procedures can easily push travellers to choose another destination.”
Comparisons with neighbouring countries are also expected, particularly regarding incentives, stopover programmes, airport services and tourism packages.
“Other countries in the region have successfully positioned themselves as stopover destinations,” Mr Al Saleh said. “Bahrain must study these experiences carefully and adapt what suits our national context.”
The debate will further examine the economic impact of developing tourism services and transit facilities, including their contribution to diversifying non-oil revenues and creating jobs. Legislators will also seek clarity on the role of national carrier Gulf Air in supporting transit traffic and ensuring its services meet international standards.
“Gulf Air is a key partner in this effort,” Mr Al Saleh said. “Its network, in-flight services and ground handling arrangements must be aligned with Bahrain’s ambition to become a preferred transit and tourism destination.”
He added that MPs want to hear about future route expansion, partnerships with regional and international airlines, and how decisions on opening or closing routes are made.
According to Mr Al Saleh, the ultimate goal of the debate is constructive.
“This is not about criticism for the sake of criticism,” he said. “It is about working together with the government to develop a clear roadmap that strengthens Bahrain’s position, supports the national economy and creates new opportunities for citizens.
“Bahrain has also become the regional hub for AirAsia and we need to know more about when booking and flight operations will start.”
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