Manama : Tourism Minister Fatima bint Jaffer Al Sairafi stressed success in exceeding the goals which were set within the 2022 strategy.
She stressed the imported of harnessing all efforts to achieve more tourism successes during the next stage in order to reach the goals of the economic recovery plan.
The minister made the statement as she chaired today the board meeting of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
The 2022 tourism indicators exceeded the targeted performance results set in the tourism strategy 2022-2026.
Tourism revenues topped BD1.5 billion in 2022, an increase of 50% compared to the target figure for the same year, which stood at BD 1 billion.
According to the 2022 statistics, the number of visitors arriving for tourism purposes reached 9.9 million, up by 19% over the target number of 8.3 million visitors.
The average daily expenditure of tourists exceeded the target number by 10%, with a record of BD 76 BD per visitor, compared to a target average expenditure of BD 69.
The average duration of stay for tourists exceeded the target number of 3.3 days, recording 3.5 days, which represents an increase of more than 6%.
BTEA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nasser Qaidi said that inbound tourism in Bahrain has recovered during the year 2022 by 90% compared to pre-pandemic levels, outperforming the international recovery rate, which was estimated by the World Tourism Organization at a rate of 65%.
Dr. Qaidi highlighted the implemented tourism projects, including the approved schedule for cruise ships for the 2023 season, and the results of the Bahrain holiday season, which was launched last December.
He highlighted BTEA’s preparations related to the Gulf Air Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit from 3 to 5 March next.
He underlined efforts to restore the wedding tourism momentum in Bahrain, highlighting cooperation with partners to host 14 weddings in the first quarter of this year.
