Tourism

Tourism’s total contribution to Bahrain’s GDP reached $3.26bn, or 10.2% in 2013, with this is expected to increase by 7.6% in 2014 and then by 5% each year until 2024. Continued investment in infrastructure will help drive future growth in the sector, with the $980m expansion of Bahrain International Airport due to increase capacity to 13.5m passengers per year. Meanwhile, plans to expand the country’s already vibrant hotel offering are under way, with five new five-star hotels due to open over the next few years. Additionally, the kingdom is looking to unlock its rich potential as an ecotourism destination while also boosting its reputation as a regional sporting destination, building on the success of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, a major event on the kingdom’s sporting calendar which attracts visitors from all around the world.