20 July 2014
Promoting a Domestic Tourism Strategy
Bahrain’s luxury hotels want to offer Bahrainis and residents, who are all smart card holders, a 20 percent discount in an attempt to increase the rate of room-occupancy. Bahraini citizens and residents alike will enjoy cheaper hotel room rates as part of the effort to boost the tourism sector. Thirty-four luxury hotels have agreed to slash room prices by 20 percent round the year, starting August, Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al-Khalifa announced.
The Ministry of Culture has signed a cooperation agreement with 11 five star hotels and 18 four-star hotels as part of the promotional programme. "The initiative aims at revitalizing internal tourism and attracting Bahraini and resident families to tourism facilities,” H.E Sheikh Khalid bin Humood Al-Khalifa said. He stated that this is part of a new advertising and promotional campaign, the first of a series in the GCC region, with the objective of anchoring Bahrain’s position as a business, investment, and family tourism destination. This campaign falls in line with the policy the Government has adopted in its institutes to provide all possible facilities to corporations, and in particular from the GCC, to set up their investments in Bahrain and make the most of the benefits provided to them. The campaign also aims to attract families to the festivals, events, and enjoy the different means of entertainment provided in the Kingdom throughout the year. “We have dedicated our efforts recently to continuously reach out and stay in touch with our target audience and increase awareness on the lifestyle and economic privileges the Kingdom provides. We will further aim through the new promotional and marketing campaigns to enhance this image regionally and introduce our audience to more benefits and privileges the Kingdom provides in terms of Tourism and Entertainment,” said H.E. Sheikh Khalid.
He also argued that Bahrain’s objective is to promote Bahrain as a luxury, 4- and 5-star hotel destination, which would naturally reduce the number of unwanted visitors. Secondly, a greater variety of attractions were sought, thanks to which Bahrain could attract visitors from outside of the Arabian Gulf. For example, the Spring of Culture event hosted every year, which showcased a wide diversity of international and cultural events presented applying international standards.
The promotional price reduction, which will be effective week days starting from August 2014, does not cover special events such as the Gulf Air F1 Grand Prix, national days, and the two Eids. The 11 five-star hotels are: The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, Al Areen Palace and Spa, The InterContinental Regency, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa, The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, The Golden Tulip Bahrain, The Domain Bahrain, and the Gulf Hotel. 18 four-star hotels have also signed the agreement. These are: Elite Crystal, Elite Grande, Elite Resort and Spa, Seef Suites Bahrain, Baisan International, Days Hotel, Diva Hotel, Hani Royal Hotel, The Juffair Grand Hotel, Monroe Hotel Bahrain, The Olive Hotel, Phoenicia Tower Hotel, Ramee California Hotel, Ramee International, Ramee Palace, Samada Hoora Hotel & Suites, The K Hotel and Royal Phoenicia Hotel Bahrain. Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, The Dragon Hotel and Resort, Sea Loft Resort Bahrain, Windsor Tower Hotel Bahrain, and Ramee Suites 4 Bahrain have also joined the promotional offer. Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al-Khalifa said that similar promotions would be offered to GCC nationals and residents alike.
