The upcoming Bahrain Capital of Gulf Tourism 2016 is expected to boost the volume of intra tourism in Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states by 10 to 15 per cent. Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayed unveiled the estimates as he attended the inauguration of the 5th Lulu Hypermarket in Juffair.

In a press statement on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, he said that 7 new four and five-star hotels are currently under construction, which will boost the tourism industry in Bahrain. He stressed the ministry’s resolve to play a pivotal role in in developing the tourism industry in cooperation with the private sector, highlighting the importance of Bahrain International Airport, King Fahd Causeway and Khalifa bin Salman Seaport in attracting tourists.