Latest news with #FatimabintJaafarAlSairafi


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
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.


Trade Arabia
09-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
AIM Congress explores future of tourism investment
The Ministerial Roundtable on 'Investment in Tourism: Shaping Tourism Investment Opportunities through Policy Innovation' assembled at AIM Congress 2025, gathering ministers and global stakeholders to redefine the future of tourism investment through strategic policy transformation, reported WAM. The session brought together 13 speakers, including officials and ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Georgia, Montenegro, Egypt, and Iran, as well as senior executives from UNCTAD, UN Tourism, World Economic Forum, ESCAP, and the World Free Zones Organisation. The roundtable emphasised tourism's critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development. Opening remarks celebrated the region's leadership in shaping future-ready policies to attract quality investments that balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said, 'Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE has succeeded in consolidating its position as a global destination for investment in the tourism sector. We seek to attract AED100 billion in new investments by 2031.' Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighted the nation's evolving tourism policy and robust investment climate, emphasising Bahrain's strategic role in advancing sustainable tourism and economic growth. Under its leadership, Bahrain has aligned itself with global tourism development goals, integrating UN initiatives while offering attractive investment opportunities through Golden Licences—two of which are tailored specifically to the tourism sector. With streamlined regulations, investor privileges, and a 'one-stop-shop' approach to project facilitation, Bahrain continues to position itself as a premier destination for tourism development and global collaboration. Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, announced a transformative shift in the country's tourism strategy, emphasising a strong pivot toward private sector involvement and investment-driven growth. Yomna Elbahar, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, highlighted Egypt's independent progress in tourism and emphasised the nation's commitment to innovation in hospitality. 'We are bringing together industry pioneers to explore the future of branded living and luxury hospitality in Egypt—shaping new possibilities for the sector,' she said. Nan Li Collins of UNCTAD underscored the importance of innovative investment frameworks that are resilient and environmentally conscious, while Matthew Stephenson of the World Economic Forum pointed to the power of digital transformation and AI in shaping post-pandemic tourism. Speakers unanimously called for public-private collaboration, green financing, and investment in human capital as core pillars to unlock tourism's full potential. The session concluded with a strong call to action: to integrate policy innovation, technology, and sustainability as guiding principles for shaping the next era of global tourism investment.


Al Etihad
09-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
AIM Congress explores future of tourism investment
9 Apr 2025 12:39 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Ministerial Roundtable on 'Investment in Tourism: Shaping Tourism Investment Opportunities through Policy Innovation' assembled at AIM Congress 2025, gathering ministers and global stakeholders to redefine the future of tourism investment through strategic policy session brought together 13 speakers, including officials and ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Georgia, Montenegro, Egypt, and Iran, as well as senior executives from UNCTAD, UN Tourism, World Economic Forum, ESCAP, and the World Free Zones roundtable emphasised tourism's critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development. Opening remarks celebrated the region's leadership in shaping future-ready policies to attract quality investments that balance economic growth with environmental of the Ministry of Economy, Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh, said, 'Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE has succeeded in consolidating its position as a global destination for investment in the tourism sector. We seek to attract Dh100 billion in new investments by 2031.'Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, highlighted the nation's evolving tourism policy and robust investment climate, emphasising Bahrain's strategic role in advancing sustainable tourism and economic its leadership, Bahrain has aligned itself with global tourism development goals, integrating UN initiatives while offering attractive investment opportunities through Golden Licences—two of which are tailored specifically to the tourism streamlined regulations, investor privileges, and a 'one-stop-shop' approach to project facilitation, Bahrain continues to position itself as a premier destination for tourism development and global of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, announced a transformative shift in the country's tourism strategy, emphasising a strong pivot toward private sector involvement and investment-driven Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, Yomna Elbahar, highlighted Egypt's independent progress in tourism and emphasised the nation's commitment to innovation in hospitality. 'We are bringing together industry pioneers to explore the future of branded living and luxury hospitality in Egypt—shaping new possibilities for the sector,' she Li Collins of UNCTAD underscored the importance of innovative investment frameworks that are resilient and environmentally conscious, while Matthew Stephenson of the World Economic Forum pointed to the power of digital transformation and AI in shaping post-pandemic unanimously called for public-private collaboration, green financing, and investment in human capital as core pillars to unlock tourism's full potential. The session concluded with a strong call to action: to integrate policy innovation, technology, and sustainability as guiding principles for shaping the next era of global tourism investment.


Trade Arabia
19-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Bahrain keen to promote GCC as unified tourism destination
Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi has underscored the kingdom's commitment to further develop coordination with GCC countries to launch joint tourism initiatives, enhance regional tourism offerings, and promote the region as a unified destination. She was speaking at the ninth preparatory meeting of the GCC Ministers Responsible for Tourism in Kuwait. The meeting was chaired by Abdulrahman Al Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture of Kuwait. The meeting was also attended by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary General, said a Bahrain News Agency (BNA) report. The minister emphasised that GCC countries have the potential to lead the regional and global tourism sector. This is supported by the GCC's efforts to promote the region as a unified tourist destination, offering diverse attractions and events that appeal to visitors worldwide. Minister Al Sairafi highlighted Bahrain's success in attracting a high number of visitors from the GCC in 2024, coinciding with Manama's selection as the GCC Tourism Capital. She noted Bahrain's efforts to host year-round tourism and entertainment events catering to diverse visitor preferences while expanding leisure, hospitality, and shopping options through exclusive travel and accommodation packages for GCC tourists. She noted that GCC countries are increasingly focused on enhancing joint efforts to market the region as an integrated tourism destination. She highlighted the development of a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that supports the growth of the travel and tourism sector, attracts more visitors, and supports the growth of tourism-related industries. AL Sairafi noted that in 2023, international tourist arrivals to the GCC increased by 42.8% compared to 2019, while international tourism revenues grew by 28% over the same period. She highlighted that Bahrain's 2022-2026 tourism strategy prioritises the GCC market as one of its key target audiences. The meeting reviewed the progress made in implementing the decisions from the eighth session, held in Doha in 2024, which included projects, initiatives, and objectives related to developing tourism across GCC countries. The ministers responsible for tourism in the GCC also discussed several key topics concerning the sector. These included the Gulf tourism strategy, plans for further developing cooperation between the tourism and cultural sectors, and other issues aimed at enhancing joint tourism efforts among GCC countries.