Bahrain, UK discuss enhancing cooperation in tourism sector

Manama, Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), received Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, British Minister for Arts and Heritage. Alastair Long, British Ambassador to Bahrain, attended the meeting. Al Sairafi affirmed the deep-rooted historic Bahraini-British relations in all sectors, particularly the tourism sector. The minister discussed means to enhance joint tourism cooperation, increase tourism exchange, and attract British tourists to Bahrain. She underscored the promising tourism initiatives introduced by the two kingdoms to bolster partnerships with the private sector, broaden tourism investment opportunities, and improve the marketing of tourist destinations within their borders. Al Sairafi examined the flow of British tourists to Bahrain, underscoring the significance of the British tourism market as a leading source of visitors to the kingdom, which the Ministry of Tourism has prioritised w ithin Bahrain's tourism strategy for 2022-2026. The meeting discussed means to bolster tourism integration and strengthen bilateral relations in the tourism and heritage sectors. It also reviewed strategic partnerships in the hospitality and travel industry, and exchanging of expertise. The meeting also touched on the efforts of the ministry and the BTEA in improving the quality of tourism services provided in various national tourism products, and the keenness to improve the efficiency and skills of the national competences in the tourism industry. Source: Bahrain News Agency