Latest news with #AlSairafi
Trade Arabia
29-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Bahrain showcases its top tourism facilities at ATM
Bahrain is highlighting its tourism infrastructure and enhanced opportunities for cooperation with international markets and partners at the Arabian Travel Market, which opened in Dubai on Monday. The kingdom is showcasing the qualitative developments achieved in the sector, and objectives of the 2022 - 2026 Tourism Strategy at the event, said Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, who is participating in the Arabian Travel Market. The kingdom is participating this year with a pavilion comprising 28 entities from the public and private sectors, most notably the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the national carrier Gulf Air, and Exhibition World Bahrain, alongside a number of luxury hotels, resorts, and destination management companies. Bahrain's participation covers a 425-sq-m pavilion, showcasing the kingdom's prominent tourism assets, informing visitors and participants about the latest tourism projects and initiatives, and holding bilateral meetings with representatives of the tourism sector from around the world to explore opportunities for joint cooperation and exchange best practices in sustainable tourism. Al Sairafi explained that the exhibition is one of the largest and most important specialised exhibitions in the travel and tourism sector regionally and globally. This year, it highlights the future aspects of travel and tourism, focusing on the role of communication in shaping the next phase. She emphasised Bahrain's commitment to participating in major international events, contributing to tourism promotion, enhancing communication with stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector from around the world. On the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market, the minister met with Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE, and Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman. They discussed prospects for cooperation in tourism and emphasised the importance of further developing partnerships to serve common interests and support tourism development plans in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Daily Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
74% of tour guides are Bahraini, ‘all licensed'
Tourism Minister, Her Excellency Fatima Al Sairafi, told Parliament yesterday that 74 per cent of tour guides in Bahrain are citizens, all licensed and certified by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). She was speaking in response to remarks from MP Mohammed Janahi, who raised several concerns during the session. In reply, Al Sairafi defended the ministry's performance and said Bahrainis remain at the heart of the government's tourism plans. 'There are several points raised by the MP,' she said. 'Unfortunately, some of them are not accurate.' She said Vatel College of Hospitality is an accredited institution in Bahrain and that its students are employed while still studying. 'Sixty-two per cent of Vatel graduates are Bahrainis,' she told MPs. 'They are working in the hotel and hospitality sector in the Kingdom, which in itself shows the importance of this sector and the value the ministry and the authority place on bringing Bahrainis into it.' The Minister added that this approach falls under the tourism strategy launched in 2022. Al Sairafi said she welcomed the MP's call to make better use of the college and confirmed a new qualification is in the pipeline. Feasibility study 'At the moment, Vatel offers a bachelor's degree,' she said. 'We are working to introduce a master's degree soon. I would also like to support the MP's suggestion that the college offer short-term development courses. That is already under way. We are preparing a feasibility study with those involved in the tourism sector, inside and outside Bahrain.' Turning to training, she said the system for guides had been changed. 'There may have been training in 2015,' she said. 'But in 2023, we changed the whole training structure and worked with the UN World Tourism Organisation to ensure a full and proper programme for tour guides. This was a joint effort between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and the government bodies involved.' Oversight She also addressed the issue of oversight. 'The MP mentioned regulation, which is important,' she said. 'In 2023, the licensing and inspection directorates were separated. We are now preparing a new decision that will contain clear regulatory tools to stop these kinds of practices.' Al Sairafi noted that this policy shift has already produced results. 'The rise in the number of Bahrainis working as tour guides is clear,' she said. MP Janahi had referred to Decision No. (3) of 2005 on the regulation of tour guiding. Al Sairafi acknowledged that it states Bahrainis have priority, but she pointed out that Article 7 of the same decision allows for exceptions. 'The authority is allowed to grant licences to non-Bahrainis in certain cases,' she said, 'for example, to provide services in languages that Bahrainis may not speak. In the 2022 strategy, we targeted several tourist markets, including many countries in Europe.'
Daily Tribune
20-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Eyes Greater Chinese Tourist Influx Through Strategic Partnerships
Minister of Tourism Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi has affirmed the strength of Bahrain-China relations, particularly in the tourism sector, noting both countries' mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation and expanding their strategic partnership. Her remarks came during a meeting with a high-level delegation from China's Guangdong Province, led by His Excellency Liu Hongbing, Deputy Governor of the Provincial Government. The delegation included officials from the sectors of culture, tourism, sports, and foreign affairs. Minister Al Sairafi emphasized that China remains one of the Kingdom's key target markets under Bahrain's 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy. She highlighted Bahrain's continued efforts to promote its tourism offerings in China through partnerships with major travel companies and tailored campaigns based on the preferences of Chinese travelers. She added that Bahrain is working closely with tour operators and agencies in China to launch customized tourism packages. The goal is to attract more Chinese visitors and bolster collaboration in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector through coordination with top Chinese firms. During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues to deepen tourism collaboration with Guangdong, explore opportunities for knowledge exchange, and consider joint tourism initiatives and events. Al Sairafi noted that the launch of Gulf Air's direct flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai has significantly boosted efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and tourism sectors. Minister Al Sairafi expressed Bahrain's eagerness to build on its existing relationship with China, aiming to unlock new areas of cooperation—especially in sustainable tourism, the exchange of tourism and investment delegations, and the promotion of Bahrain's rich cultural, historical, and natural assets. For his part, Deputy Governor Liu Hongbing expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, affirming Guangdong Province's keenness to strengthen its cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain and pursue initiatives that would further enhance tourism and cultural ties between the two sides.
Daily Tribune
18-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Private sector key to driving tourism growth, says Al Sairafi
The Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, has emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in achieving the objectives of the Tourism Strategy 2022–2026. She highlighted its significant contribution, particularly in enhancing tourism services and introducing innovative programs that elevate the overall visitor experience. The Minister noted that such efforts are essential in reinforcing Bahrain's status as a competitive and attractive destination on both regional and international tourism maps. She underscored the importance of continued collaboration to further develop the sector and deliver high-quality, diverse offerings for tourists. Al Sairafi made the remarks as she met with Eng. Yousef Khalifa Al Mannaei, CEO of Masar Group, where they discussed ways to expand maritime connectivity between tourist sites in the Kingdom. This initiative supports the development of marine tourism infrastructure and promotes sustainable tourism. The Minister praised Masar Group's initiatives in supporting the Ministry's efforts by operating marine trips, which represent an important element in diversifying the tourism experience. Unique potentials She stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, as the only archipelago in the Middle East, possesses unique potentials for developing waterfronts and recreational activities, which are key pillars of the national tourism strategy. Eng. Al Mannaei appreciated the continuous efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in supporting innovative projects. He praised the fruitful cooperation with the private sector, which actively contributes to achieving shared development goals and strengthens the Kingdom's position as a leading tourism hub.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain tourism revenue rises 13% in 2024
Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirmed that the country's tourism sector continues to achieve notable results in both performance and revenue, benefiting from the national tourism strategy launched in 2022 and extending through 2026. The strategy has led to tangible increases in both visitor numbers and tourism income. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the AIM Investment Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Al Sairafi stated that Bahrain's tourism performance in 2024 showed an approximately 13 percent rise in revenue compared to the same period in 2023, along with a nearly 20 percent increase in visitor numbers. These indicators reflect the effectiveness of Bahrain's promotional efforts and the growing appeal of the Kingdom as a promising tourism destination in the region. She explained that Bahrain's national tourism strategy has focused on two main pillars: tourism promotion and attracting high-quality investments, particularly in tourism infrastructure. This has contributed to the Kingdom's growing reputation as a distinguished tourism destination both regionally and internationally. The minister added that the Ministry of Tourism continues to work with local and international partners to enhance the competitiveness of the sector through projects and initiatives aimed at improving service quality and diversifying the tourism experiences offered in Bahrain. Al Sairafi emphasised that these positive figures encourage the ministry to continue advancing both direct and indirect tourism investments and promoting public-private sector integration. She confirmed that the 2022–2026 strategy is progressing in line with clear performance indicators and aims to position tourism as a key contributor to Bahrain's economy by stimulating qualitative growth across various supporting sectors.
