The Kingdom of Bahrain, which saw an 87 per cent increase in Indian visitor arrivals in January-to-June 2023, has announced that the Celebrate Bahrain Season drew more than 100,000 visitors to the desert nation.
In a media release dated January 22, 2024, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced “the success of Celebrate Bahrain Season witnessing a huge number of over 100,000 visitors, showcasing the kingdom’s appeal as a premier global tourism destination”.
The release added: “These diverse celebrations showcased family, musical, cultural, and sporting events across various governorates, reflecting the success of Celebrate Bahrain Season, achieved in collaboration with numerous partners.”
Conclusion of the Celebrate Bahrain Season came with “a successful New Year’s celebration across iconic locations, such as Water Garden City, Marassi Beach, Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Harbour, Bahrain Fort, Bahrain National Museum, and Al Najmah Club”.
Referring to an “overwhelming turnout [that] exceeded expectations”, the BTEA said: “One of the key highlights of Celebrate Bahrain Season was its ability to attract a significant number of tourists from around the world. The exclusive promotions and diverse range of events successfully captivated the attention of global travellers, making it an unparalleled destination for tourists seeking a unique and memorable experience.”
Indian destination weddings in Bahrain
Bahrain, according to the BTEA data cited in September 2023 media reports, was one of the preferred destinations for Indian weddings.
A report in The Economic Times, based on a BTEA media release, said: “The Indian market has shown tremendous interest in Bahrain as a preferred destination for weddings, vacations and leisure…. Proximity to India, convenient connectivity and a diverse range of offerings made Bahrain an attractive choice for Indians for leisure and business purposes, as per the [BTEA] statement.”
In the January 2024 media statement, the BTEA said that the Celebrate Bahrain Season, “with its diverse offerings and strategic partnerships, has not only surpassed expectations but has also set a new standard for cultural celebrations in the region.”
It added: “As the kingdom continues to evolve as a prominent tourism hub, seasons like Celebrate Bahrain play a pivotal role in shaping Bahrain’s global identity and attracting visitors from around the globe.”
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) was established in 2015 under a Royal Decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Its scope of work includes all sectors related to national tourism affairs in the kingdom.