Bahrain experienced a noticeable increase in visitor numbers from GCC countries and a rise in hotel occupancy rates during the Eid Al Adha holidays, according to Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi.
She attributed the positive outcome to enhanced collaboration with the private sector, which played a key role in supporting the goals of the Tourism Sector Strategy (2022-2026).
“More tourists have visited Bahrain during these Eid holidays than last year,” said Ms Al Sairafi. “This is evidenced by the surge in hotel bookings as well.”
She added that this growth was largely driven by targeted promotional efforts developed in collaboration with Gulf Air, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies. The initiatives included tailored packages for GCC families, a key focus area under Bahrain’s tourism strategy.
“GCC countries are among the top five key target markets, according to the tourism strategy, and this was clearly reflected in the positive performance indicators,” she noted.
Ms Al Sairafi also highlighted the role of improved tourism infrastructure and a wider range of services in attracting visitors. She said that the variety of events, performances, and entertainment options helped enrich the overall visitor experience.
She emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable growth for the industry.
“Bahrain places increasing importance on the tourism sector as one of its priority areas,” she said. “This requires the launch of quality initiatives and implementation of projects that enhance the kingdom’s cultural and civilisational assets, contributing to its established position on the regional and international tourism map.”
She added, “Current indicators reflect rapid progress toward achieving the goals of the tourism strategy.
“By increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), we can solidify Bahrain’s status as a sustainable tourism destination in the region.
“This is being accomplished through expanding entertainment, hospitality and retail options, offering integrated travel and accommodation packages, and strengthening a sustainable tourism ecosystem.”
According to Bahrain’s Open Data Portal, the average length of stay in hotels during Eid Al Adha 2024 (June 15 to 18) was 2.70 nights. The same period recorded 1,163,552 visitors from Saudi Arabia and 131,055 from other GCC nations. The average daily spend per visitor was BD69.43.
Data from the Bahrain Economic Report, released by the Finance and National Economy Minister, showed that in 2023 the accommodation and food service sectors grew by 5.9 per cent. The year saw total inbound tourism flows reach 14.9 million – a 19.9 per cent year-on-year increase – with same-day visitors rising by 19.4 per cent to 8.3 million and overnight visitors increasing by 20.7 per cent to 6.6 million. Overnight stays grew by 16 per cent to a total of 19.2 million.
As reported by the GDN, hotels across Bahrain saw high occupancy during Eid Al Adha, with bookings driven by GCC residents and Bahrainis opting for staycations. Hospitality providers noted limited availability during the period, with most guests arriving from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain itself.
Family rooms were the preferred choice for many visitors due to their larger layout, including living and dining spaces and kitchen facilities. Special packages focused on cultural and leisure experiences were curated to meet guest preferences.
