The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) recently hosted a workshop aimed at familiarizing representatives from various sectors in Bahrain with the tourism prospects in the Chinese market. The workshop brought together 100 individuals from travel agencies, destination management companies, and hospitality establishments. Key figures such as H.E. Sarah Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of BTEA, H.E. Ni Ruchi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bahrain, and Mr. Marcus Li, CEO of China Ready, were present, marking a significant step towards fostering collaborations in the tourism industry.
H.E. Buhijji highlighted the importance of establishing new avenues in tourism with China and emphasized the role of the China Ready program in attracting more Chinese tourists to Bahrain. This initiative is based on a deep understanding of Chinese culture and customs, aligned with Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). The upcoming launch of direct flights between Manama and Shanghai and Guangzhou in China is expected to attract more Chinese travelers to Bahrain, further enhancing its position as a key tourism market.
Bahrain is joining 51 other countries worldwide in introducing the “China Ready” program, a comprehensive training program designed to help tourist destinations and service providers cater effectively to the needs of Chinese visitors. By participating in this program, Bahrain aims to position itself as an attractive destination for Chinese tourists and enhance its appeal on the international tourism landscape. The workshop covered various topics, including an introduction to the “China Ready” certification and an exploration of Chinese history, society, customs, traditions, and culture.
Mrs. Maryam Toorani, Director of Marketing and Promotion Directorate at BTEA, highlighted the collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the tourism sector to engage with tour operators, destination management companies, and travel agencies in China. The goal is to promote Bahrain as a premier destination for Chinese visitors by creating tailor-made packages and refining tour programs for this demographic. Special arrangements are in place for China Gulf Air travelers, offering exclusive hotel reservations and access to a variety of tourist activities and events to ensure a memorable experience in Bahrain.
Overall, the workshop hosted by BTEA served as a platform to educate representatives from various sectors in Bahrain about the tourism prospects in the Chinese market. With the launch of direct flights to China and the introduction of the “China Ready” program, Bahrain is taking significant steps towards attracting more Chinese tourists and positioning itself as an attractive destination on the global tourism map. The collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the tourism sector and the focus on catering to the specific needs of Chinese visitors are key components of Bahrain’s strategy to enhance its tourism industry.
