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Bahrain‘s tourism industry is set to experience a significant surge with the introduction of visa-free travel to 87 countries, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Macao. This strategic move is expected to attract a diverse array of international visitors, enhancing Bahrain’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island nation in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It comprises a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island making up about 83% of the country’s landmass. In 2023, travelers from Bahrain made 4.9 million outbound visits, with a total international tourism expenditure of US$3.6 billion. Bahrainis frequently travel to several popular international destinations, with the most common being:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Qatar
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• India
• Germany

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “Bahrain’s tourism industry is surging forward, driven by the recent introduction of visa-free travel to 87 countries, including popular destinations like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Macao. This strategic move is set to attract more visitors and position Bahrain as a premier travel hub. The country’s rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and luxurious accommodations offer a unique blend that draws a diverse range of international tourists. The impressive 180% increase in arrivals and a 25% boost to GDP in 2022 highlight Bahrain’s potential as a leading tourism destination in the region.”

Bahrain Tourism Soars: 180% Increase in Arrivals and 25% GDP Boost in 2022, Driven by Strong Recovery and Government Initiatives

Bahrain has experienced a significant boost in tourism, with a notable increase in visitor numbers and economic impact. In recent years, the country has focused on enhancing its tourism infrastructure and promoting its rich cultural heritage, resulting in impressive growth figures.Tourism in Bahrain has experienced remarkable growth, with tourist arrivals increasing by 180% in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting a strong recovery from the pandemic’s impact. The tourism sector’s contribution to Bahrain’s GDP rose by 25% in 2022, showcasing the industry’s growing importance to the national economy. Cruise passenger arrivals surged by 45% in the 2022-2023 season, as more international cruise liners included Bahrain in their itineraries. Hotel occupancy rates increased by 20% in 2022, driven by higher demand from both leisure and business travelers. Government-led initiatives, such as the development of new tourist attractions and enhanced marketing efforts, have played a key role in driving this growth.

G.D.P of Bahrain:
The Travel & Tourism market in Bahrain is set to grow, with revenue expected to reach US$147.70 million by 2024 and an annual growth rate of 3.25% from 2024 to 2029, reaching US$173.30 million by 2029. The largest segment, the Package Holidays market, is projected to hit US$54.32 million by 2024. By 2029, user numbers for Package Holidays are expected to reach 343.50k, with user penetration increasing from 29.6% in 2024 to 32.0% by 2029. The average revenue per user (ARPU) is forecasted at US$333.30. Online sales are anticipated to make up 75% of total revenue by 2029. Comparatively, the United States is expected to lead the global market with projected revenue of US$214 billion by 2024. Bahrain’s tourism growth is driven by government efforts to develop cultural and heritage sites.

Expansive lists of Visa-Free Destinations:

Visa Free Lists:

• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bermuda
• Botswana
• Cayman Islands
• Cook Islands
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Georgia
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Iran
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Micronesia
• Morocco
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• Oman
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• Türkiye
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Zambia

VOA

• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Brunei
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Macao (SAR China)
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Palau Islands
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe

ETA

• Kenya
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• United Kingdom

Airports in Bahrain:

Bahrain International Airport (BAH):Located in Muharraq near Manama, is the primary airport serving Bahrain. In 2022, it handled approximately 4.5 million outbound passengers. For the most accurate and detailed figures, refer to the airport’s official reports or the Civil Aviation Affairs of Bahrain.

“Bahrain’s Airline Industry Soars with Decade of Growth: Strategic Investments and Gulf Air’s Expansion Fuel Success”
Bahrain‘s airline industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by strategic investments, an expanding fleet, and increasing passenger demand. Gulf Air, the national carrier, has been at the forefront, modernizing its fleet with new aircraft and expanding its route network to include key international destinations. The government’s focus on developing Bahrain as a regional aviation hub has also played a crucial role, with infrastructure enhancements at Bahrain International Airport, such as a new passenger terminal, boosting capacity and service quality. This growth reflects Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global aviation market.

Airlines in Bahrain:

• Bahrain International Airport (BAH):- The national carrier of Bahrain, offering a wide range of international flights across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
  Outbound passenger traffic (2022): Approximately 6.2 million passengers.
• Bahrain Air:- A former low-cost airline that operated from 2008 until 2013, serving regional and South Asian destinations.
• Texel Air:- A Bahrain-based charter airline specializing in cargo services, providing tailored freight solutions.
• DHL Aviation:– Operates a major logistics hub in Bahrain, offering extensive cargo and freight services globally.

Ports in Bahrain:

• Khalifa Bin Salman Port is Bahrain’s primary commercial port, located in the Hidd area of Muharraq. It is a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle a wide range of cargo, including containers, general cargo, and bulk goods while primarily a cargo port, it occasionally handles cruise ship passengers. In 2022, it saw around 100,000 outbound cruise passengers.
• Muharraq Fisherman Port located in Muharraq, this port is mainly used by local fishermen. It provides essential facilities for docking and maintaining fishing boats.

Bahrain‘s tourism sector is thriving, drawing an increasing number of international visitors with its unique mix of cultural heritage and contemporary attractions. The country’s historic sites, lively markets, and luxurious resorts, combined with its warm hospitality, make it an irresistible destination. The recent surge in tourist arrivals and the growth of the cruise tourism market highlight Bahrain’s emerging status as a top travel destination.