BITE focus on quality.

Byline: MANDEEP SINGH 

The labour-intensive tourism sector is being developed to further contribute to Bahrain's growth, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi said yesterday.

"The focus is on quality family and cultural tourism," he said as he inaugurated the three-day Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE 2009).

It is being held by Magnum Holdings' company, Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

"Bahrain's presence in travel and tourism field is clear if we consider the existence of tens of travel and tourism offices in addition to hospitality colleges that prepare skilled staff to meet the sector's labour requirements," he said.

He said 5,000 to 7,000 people, 30 per cent of whom are Bahrainis, are employed in the sector.

"We are conducting programmes to increase the numbers.

"There is a lot of interest from Bahraini youngsters and they are being encouraged to take up jobs in the industry."

Dr Al Alawi, accompanied by senior officials, diplomats and guests, toured pavilions.

Culture and Information Ministry tourism adviser Dr Heba Abdulaziz told the GDN the hospitality industry would be overhauled.

The ministry is working with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) to set up a fresh set of regulations for hotels' classification, she said.

"The four- and five-star hotels' classification will be reviewed under the new rules and benchmarks."

An international audit would be conducted on all hotels. WTO officials will come to Bahrain and assess their facilities and services, she said.

She said tourism regulations needed to be completely re-worked.

"We have to practically begin from scratch if we are serious about promoting Bahrain as a tourist destination. Everything has to be re-worked."

Magnum Holding group chairman Jamil Wafa said he was encouraged by the response from exhibitors and people.

"We expect the visitor numbers to top 20,000 during the three-day event.

"We feel this is a significant achievement in the face of the global financial crunch."

He said 104 exhibitors from more than 40 countries are taking part.

"They have pulled out all stops for the event and we have responded with world class facilities for them.

"The event features a dazzling array of on and offsite performances and fantastic offers for consumers to enjoy."

Egypt Tourism Authority chief Amro Al Ezabi lauded Bahrain's keenness to boost tourism.

Civil Aviation Under-Secretary Abdulrahman Al Gaoud said Bahrain International Airport was undergoing major expansion to meet requirements of Vision 2030 and booming tourism activities.

Fatma Sulaiman from Tamkeen said they had decided to pay 80pc of the participation cost of small and medium-size companies in support.

The event is open today to the public from 3pm to 9pm and tomorrow from 10am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 9pm.

Entry is free.

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