Bahrain for hotel operators and investors

Take advantage of Bahrain’s growing tourism & leisure market

Clear potential for new hotels

Bahrain’s hotel market is robust – and growing. In a combined sector with restaurants, it is one of the Kingdom’s most buoyant.

Bahrain’s tourism market revenues are expected to increase to USD 1 billion by 20201,2. Tourist arrivals have grown by 6% in 2016, and are expected to reach 15 million by 2020.

In addition, expenditure is increasing among the 62% of visitors2 who come to Bahrain for leisure.

There is continuing demand for four- and five-star hotels, together with serviced apartments for larger families. However, the Kingdom has identified a specific need for high-quality mid-range (three-star) accommodation for leisure and business travellers.

Development and diversification

The Kingdom has a large number of day visitors, principally from Saudi Arabia, and there is major potential to convert these day-stays into longer, more valuable visits.

As part of infrastructure development, we are working with partners to create new attractions as well as land and maritime leisure activities that will encourage visitors to stay longer in Bahrain.

Bahrain is also diversifying into new source markets for inbound leisure, business and group travel with promotional campaigns and activities targeted at geographies directly served by Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Build on proven success

Operate in Bahrain and you will join globally recognised international chains, as well as local independent hotels and boutiques. Several major brands are making their mark on the Bahrain skyline with stunning architectural statements that are now tourist attractions in their own right.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Recent Developments

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain BayOne & Only Resort, SeefDowntown Rotanaibis Styles BahrainWyndham Grand Bahrain Bay

Our brand. Your future.

Our tourism brand expresses the essence of Bahrain and its people, and is at the heart of our strategy to grow our visitor numbers – and your business.

1. Ministry of Industry and Commerce 2. Central Informatics Organisation 3. International Monetary Fund (IMF) 4. Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) 5. Information & e-Government Authority 6. Economic Development Board Forecast

Overview of Bahrain’s economyBahrain is well positioned in the Global Economic Environment

Some are also integral to Bahrain’s ambitious USD 10 billion-plus tourism, hospitality and retail project developments that are springing up as distinct districts across the island.

Hospitality – who’s here

Ritz-Carlton, Gulf Hotels Group, Four Seasons, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, One & Only, Accor, Marriott Hotels, Swiss-Belhotel, Mövenpick, Golden Tulip, InterContinental Hotels Group, Wyndham Hotels, Ramee Hotels Group.

What’s driving tourism growth – key facts

+2.5% GCC population expansion by 20213

+4.5% GDP growth in GCC markets2

Higher GCC disposable income+64% more expatriate visitors2

Number of hotels4

★★★★★ 18

★★★★ 48

★★★ 35

Apartments 81

Resorts 11

Learn more

The Bahrain Economic Development Board promotes investment into the Kingdom. We offer no-cost practical advice, consultation and information to help you set up your business quickly and smoothly.

CONTACT US

For all investment enquiries, please email us at: invest@bahrainedb.com or visit www.bahrainedb.com. You can also call us on +973 175 89 956 for general enquiries. Business hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm (GMT +3hrs).

In 2015

Population size of 1.35 Million in 2015, growing at a rate of 3% to reach 15 Million

by 20202. The Bahrain hotel and restaurant contribution to GDP increased by 7.3%.

In 2016

Real growth reached 3.4%5,6.

In 2016

The official unemployment level remained consistenly low at 4.3%2

In 2016

GDP was led by the non oil sectors with 80.4% contribution to GDP5,6.

Growth in tourism sectorBahrain is witnessing an increase number of visitors

Total number of arrivals by point of entry

PoE 2013 2014 2015 2016

Airport 1,623,257 1,708,826 1,891,065 1,983,400

Causeway 7,488,748 8,687,292 9,667,048 10,212,227

Port 65,941 59,431 65,410 87,607

Total 9,177,946 10,455,549 11,623,523 12,283,234