bahrain tourism data

Tourism in Bahrain

Development of the tourism sector in bahrain from 1995 to 2021.

Revenues from tourism

All data for Bahrain in detail

Bahrain's tourism segment and its prospects

Introduction.

The travel & tourism segment has become one of the key contributors to the global economy in recent years. Before Covid-19, travel & tourism accounted for 10.3% of the global GDP and was worth over USD 9 trillion ( World Travel and Tourism Council, 2019 ). One out of four newly created jobs stemmed from this segment in 2019. ( World Travel and Tourism Council, 2019 ).

Consequently, Bahrain aims to become a major tourism hub in the region. The Kingdom seeks to implement strategies and policies to boost its tourism segment, provide a competitive edge, and stimulate the local economy. This will create more jobs and diversify economic activity even further away from hydrocarbon-based activities.

In this article, we will assess the current scenario of Bahrain's tourism segment and discuss potential challenges that may impact the prospects of local tourism in the future. This article will be divided into the following sections: An overview of Bahrain's tourism segment, An analysis of the current tourist portfolio, and a discussion & policy recommendations.

An Overview of Bahrain’s Tourism Segment

Bahrain is the smallest and only island country in the GCC region. Relative to its neighbors, some regulatory policies are more “relaxed”, such as surrounding the consumption of alcohol and other activities ( gov.uk, n.d ), making it a more compelling tourist destination within the GCC. As a result, we can see that the more “liberal” rules and regulations are associated with some of the highest inbound tourism figures:

Since 2011, the number of inbound visitors to Bahrain has been rising, from 6.7 million tourists to approximately 11.1 million tourists by 2019. This marks a growth rate of roughly 6.4% since 2019 ( World Bank, n.d ). As an objective, the government plans to continue to increase the number of tourists to cross the 14.1 million mark by 2026 ( BTEA, 2021 ). We also see that tourists specifically prefer Bahrain for holiday, leisure, and shopping purposes as an average of more than 71% of total tourists during the last five years arrived in Bahrain for these purposes ( IGA Bahrain, n.d. ). The importance of tourism is that tourism spending has increased since 2011 in both absolute and relative terms, with absolute figures increasing from 1.8 billion USD to 3.9 Billion USD in 2019, and per capita from 262USD per visitor to 349USD per visitor in 2019 ( World Bank, n.d ).

The increase in tourism spending in absolute and relative terms has important implications for the economy. Suppose we define restaurant & hotels, and personal & social service GDP as a rough proxy for the “tourism” sector. We see that tourism before the pandemic was becoming a more prominent component of the economy:

Furthermore, looking at the BTEA projection of the percentage of tourism as a percentage of GDP ( note, BTEA defines the tourism sector differently than how we define the tourism sector above ), we see that the tourism sector is indicated to be a significant contributor to the economy by 2026:

Amidst the recent improvement in the local tourism metrics, along with the expectation that Bahrain would emerge as the region's next tourism hub, the country's hospitality segment has been expanding its capacity. Local hotels have increased the number of available rooms by 14% from 2015 to 2019, whereas the number of total bed places has grown by 28% ( IGA, n.d ), indicating that the tourism sector has a positive outlook moving forward into the future.

Although Bahrain's tourism sector and its figures have significantly improved over the past ten years, there are potential challenges it may face. The largest is the tourism segment's lack of diversity in its tourist portfolio. In the next section, we will explore the data regarding significant reliance on GCC tourists and what challenges this may pose.

RELIANCE ON GCC TOURISTS

Bahrain is a regional connecting hub with a flight time of less than an hour from all GCC countries. The country is also linked with Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in GCC, via the King Fahad Causeway, which makes it convenient to commute between the two countries via road. On average, nearly 89% of tourists arrive via the causeway between 2015 and 2019. Furthermore, Bahrain relies on 88% of its total inbound visitors from Saudi Arabia ( on average between 2015 and 2019 ) ( IGA, 2021 ).

As previously mentioned, the Kingdom appears to have more “relaxed” rules and regulations surrounding the consumption of alcohol and other entertainment avenues, which makes it an attractive tourist destination. Looking at the data, we can see that the vast majority of tourists originate from Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations:

When comparing other GCC nations, we see that the portfolio of Bahrain is less diversified. For example, tourists from the top 5 origins only accounted for 40% of the total tourists inflow to UAE, 43% for Oman, 42% for Saudi Arabia, and 70% for Kuwait (World Travel and Tourism Council, 2019). Comparing this to Bahrain, we see that, on average, 96% of all tourist inflows are from GCC nations. This leads to two key challenges: lower international tourism receipts by inbound visitors and the potential for a decreased inflow if and when other GCC nations develop their tourism industries.

We can define international tourism receipts as “expenditure of international inbound visitors in the country including their payments to national carriers for international transport. They also include any other payments or payments afterwards made for goods and services received in the destination country”. Looking at the data, we can see that Bahrain is the 2nd lowest GCC nation in terms of international tourism receipts per visitor:

Given that the vast majority of foreign visitors arrive via the King Fahad causeway, the below-average tourism expenditure is certainly not unusual given the lack of spending on air & domestic transport. As of 2019, only 6.5% of the total international tourism receipts were spent on air & domestic transport and car rentals ( IGA Bahrain, 2021 ). Another reason for lower spending by inbound visitors is that the visit duration is generally lower than in other GCC nations:

The combination of lower spending on transportation and less visiting time may explain the lower expenditure inflow compared to the rest of the Gulf. In the next part, we will analyze potential challenges arising from a reliance on GCC tourists.

Potential challenges that may arise from a reliance on GCC tourists:

From the above, we've established that Saudi Arabia accounts for nearly 88% of inbound visitors on average between 2015 and 2021, and Other Gulf nations account for nearly 9%. While reliance on neighboring countries is not a necessary problem given the tight interlink between gulf nations in terms of culture and socio-economic characteristics, challenges may arise due to changes in other GCC nations' domestic tourism conditions.

Primarily looking at Saudi Arabia, approximately 30 billion USD have been spent abroad annually on entertainment and leisure in other parts of the GCC ( Saudi Ministry of Tourism, 2020 ). Hence, the theme of investing in the local entertainment and leisure segment is a lucrative economic strategy. As a result, Saudi Arabia aims to increase the contribution of its “tourism” sector towards GDP from the current 3% to well over 10% by 2030, which includes over 1 trillion US Dollars worth of investments in several new entertainment and leisure projects ( Saudi Ministry of Tourism, 2021 ). Before 2018, there were no cinemas in Saudi Arabia; however, nearly 40 cinemas are planned to be available across the Kingdom over the next five years, and Dubai’s VOX cinema aims to develop 600 screens in Saudi Arabia ( Mubasher, 2019 ). Furthermore, the Kingdom has had 100 concerts in 2019, which is aimed to increase by up to 600% by 2022. ( Saudi Ministry of Tourism, 2021 ).

With the increased development of Saudi Arabia's domestic tourism market, there may be a potential for consumers from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to substitute their visits from Bahrain towards Saudi Arabia's tourism market or their domestic tourism market if similar developments are occurring in such markets. The extent of such a substitution effect is unknown now; however, it will likely be significant. Therefore, some potential policy recommendations are needed to counter what appears to be an "inevitable" substitution by Saudi and other gulf country consumers.

Bahrain: Tourist arrivals

Bahrain: tourist arrivals, 1995 - 2020:.

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Bahrain Tourism Statistics

Bh: international tourism: expenditures, view bahrain's bh: international tourism: expenditures from 1995 to 2019 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Expenditures: % of Total Imports

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: expenditures: % of total imports from 1995 to 2018 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: expenditures: for passenger transport items from 1995 to 2019 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Travel Items

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: expenditures: for travel items from 1995 to 2019 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: number of arrivals from 1995 to 2020 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Receipts

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: receipts from 1995 to 2020 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Receipts: % of Total Exports

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: receipts: % of total exports from 1995 to 2020 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: receipts: for passenger transport items from 1995 to 2020 in the chart:.

BH: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items

View bahrain's bh: international tourism: receipts: for travel items from 1995 to 2020 in the chart:.

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Bahrain Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in bahrain increased to 13770.15 thousand in 2022 from 4919.32 thousand in 2021. tourist arrivals in bahrain averaged 10549.40 thousand from 2018 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 16114.11 thousand in 2018 and a record low of 2842.22 thousand in 2020. source: information & egovernment authority, bahrain,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   taxes,   climate.

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Bahrain’s Tourism Boom: 51% Surge in Visitors in 2023

Exploring the enchanting island nation's growth as a premier tourist destination.

The Kingdom of Bahrain, celebrated for its abundant cultural heritage, thriving shopping scenes, and diverse array of tourist attractions, has emerged as an alluring destination for global travelers. It is consistently advancing in its tourism sector. Recently, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) released its latest statistics for the January-to-June 2023 period, revealing remarkable growth in the tourism sector.

As per the most recent BTEA data, Bahrain played host to an impressive 5.9 million visitors during the initial six months of 2023, marking a remarkable 51% surge from the corresponding period in the previous year, when 3.9 million tourists visited the country. This substantial increase in arrivals underscores Bahrain’s escalating appeal as a premier tourist hotspot.

Bahrain, a picturesque island nation nestled in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, has become the favored choice of tourists in search of a distinctive blend of culture, history, and modernity.

Visitors are captivated by its historic sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bahrain Pearling Trail and the ancient Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), offering a glimpse into the nation’s rich history, which spans over 4,000 years.

Furthermore, Bahrain’s cultural festivals, impressive architecture, and warm hospitality continue to draw visitors from around the world. This showcases the country’s commitment to embracing global cultural diversity while preserving its own traditions. Bahrain’s culinary scene also stands out, with numerous restaurants offering a delectable fusion of Middle Eastern and international cuisines. From authentic local dishes to gourmet experiences, Bahrain caters to every palate.

A noteworthy trend observed during this period is the increasing number of tourists from India. The country witnessed an 87% surge in the number of Indians visiting Bahrain. In the first half of 2023, the number of Indian visitors soared to 504,173 compared to 269,302 for the same period in 2022, indicating substantial growth in this tourist segment. The Indian market has shown tremendous interest in Bahrain as a preferred destination for weddings, vacations, and relaxation. The Kingdom’s proximity to India, convenient connectivity, and a diverse range of offerings cater to the preferences of Indian travelers, making Bahrain an attractive choice for both leisure and business purposes.

Maryam Toorani, Director of Marketing & Promotion at BETA, remarked, “Bahrain’s significant growth in tourism during the first half of 2023 is a testament to the enduring charm of our country. We are delighted to welcome 5.9 million visitors who have chosen Bahrain as their destination of choice. As we continue to evolve and welcome travelers from around the world, we remain committed to crafting unforgettable experiences that showcase our rich culture, history, and the warmth of our hospitality.”

Bahrain’s government continues to invest in its infrastructure and initiatives to ensure the sustainability and growth of its tourism sector. These efforts include enhancing accommodation options, expanding transportation networks, and promoting cultural and recreational activities.

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International tourism, number of departures - Bahrain

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Tourism in Bahrain, Growth & Opportunities

Every year, millions of tourists from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond experience the best Bahrain has to offer. So, what is Bahrain known for?

/ Foreign Investment Opportunities / Tourism in Bahrain, Growth & Opportunities

Of all the places to visit, tourists choose the Kingdom for our superb island setting; our cosmopolitan, relaxed way of life; our rich history and culture; exciting major events; delicious food and varied shopping choices. All of these ingredients combine to create a thriving tourism and hospitality sector, which offers investors world-class infrastructure and a broad range of retail, leisure, food and hotel investment opportunities in Bahrain.

Opportunities in a unique destination

It’s all about priorities. When it comes to tourism and hospitality, we concentrate on the 300 million people who can readily reach us – from across the GCC and within two hours’ flying time. As a result, we house up to a million visitors each month and the majority of these tourists are increasingly spending more while they are here. 

Tourism in Bahrain is back on the rise after the decrease the global tourism industry saw in 2020. Experts predict tourism in the GCC will be back to pre-COVID levels before the end of 2021, even predicting that tourism will contribute USD 133.6 Billion to the Middle East’s GDP by the end of 2028. The opportunity to take advantage of Bahrain’s growing tourism industry has never been better.

9.9 million

visitors in 2022 with a growth rate of 175% compared to 2021 (BTEA, IGA)

USD 3.9 billion

Total inbound expenditure in 2022 (BTEA, IGA)

of inbound tourism flows during 2022 is from GCC (BTEA, IGA)

Did you know about these top tourist attractions?

Bahrain has 3 designated UNESCO heritage sites offering visitors a unique experience: Dilmun Burial Mounds, Pearl Route, and Qal’at Al-Bahrain.

A clear strategy

To ensure the best possible results for investors, we take a focussed approach to Bahrain tourism. Central to this is the development and growth of three primary consumer sectors within tourism and hospitality. Food service, retail and leisure all offer opportunities for profitable investments in the Kingdom as the tourism industry continues to expand. Additionally, as part of our National Economic Strategy, we ensure digital technology is at the centre of the industry to enhance and transform each sector.

What we focus on

Events and festivals.

Bahrain and the surrounding region have a young population with an appetite for unique experiences. Events such as Formula1 Racing and Ramadan bring tourists to the country in droves. With a handful of annual events already set in place, this sector is set to grow abundantly in the future.

Beach and Maritime

Beaches in Bahrain are unlike any others. Feel the sand between your toes with both private and public beaches across the island. From spa resorts and recreational sports, like water skiing and wakeboarding, to wildlife exploration, Bahrain’s beaches offer it all. As an island country, it is the perfect place for businesses that specialise in beach and maritime services to grow.

Foodservice

Our vibrant culinary scene is at the heart of tourism in Bahrain. This dynamic industry includes local flavours, regional favourites and global brands that serve growing domestic and international consumers. There are development projects across the Kingdom with openings for a diverse mix of proven concepts.

Flagship FB & Retail

The country’s retail sector continues to evolve. There’s a wide variety of concepts located in special environments, including traditional souks, modern retail and entertainment destinations and lifestyle malls.

Leisure and Entertainment

The rich culture and history of Bahrain mixed with modern amenities create a world of possibilities for the leisure and entertainment industry. Recreational activities such as boat rentals, museum tours, theatre performances and festivals are just a few of the many successful entertainment services on offer. The combined resident and visitor consumer base provide a strong audience for leisure entertainment companies to expand here.

Ancillary Services

Bahrain lays the foundation for ancillary services in the GCC. Companies looking to enter this industry can benefit greatly from all the Kingdom has to offer, including customer service solutions and secure electronic payment options.

Why people visit

Ongoing investment

Ours. yours. bahrain.

A strong brand helps consumers understand what we stand for. Our national tourism identity ‘Ours. Yours. Bahrain’, championed by the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), communicates the authenticity that visitors to the Kingdom experience through our tourism and hospitality sector.

Infrastructure

We’re investing more than $10 billion directly in tourism infrastructure projects, such as new hotels and museums, to provide a strong support for exploration and tourism in Bahrain. Bahrain is creating the foundation to support public and private investments’ customers, services and facilities.

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Saudi Arabia will add another 320,000 hotel rooms by 2030 as it targets peak tourism

Travel & tourism.

As it revises tourism growth numbers, Kingdom needs all the hotel rooms it can build

Dubai: All those massive tourism focused projects requires Saudi Arabia to amp up its hotel capacity. The Kingdom is doing just that with an estimated 320,000 new hotel rooms to be added by 2030, according to latest forecasts by the consultancy Knight Frank.  

The Saudi market will need it as 150 million domestic and international tourists are expected by the end of the decade. Of the new hotel room supply, 66 per cent will be in the 'luxury', 'upper upscale' and 'upscale' categories. By 2030, this segment will 'expand further to 72 per cent of the market, equating to 251,500 hotel rooms', Knight Frank report notes.

By end 2023, Saudi Arabia had seen nearly 100 million domestic and international tourists, with the tourism and hospitality sector contributing to nearly 6 per cent of the GDP. This puts the sector on track to hit the government’s 10 per cent target by the end of the decade.

Around 30 million religious tourists are expected to visit the Holy Cities by 2025 and the government projects that this figure will rise to 50 million by 2030.

Biggest source markets

Tourism generated spending in the first-half of 2023 rose to SR87 billion, a 132 per cent rise on 2022. International visitor numbers gained 142 per cent, totalling 14.6 million arrivals. The biggest source markets were Bahrain (2.2 million), Kuwait (1.9 million) and Egypt (1.5 million).

"With a target of welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030 — a 50 per cent increase from its previous goal—the government is actively exploring various strategies to attract to international travellers," said Turab Saleem, Partner and Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory, MENA.

"This includes the development of cultural and entertainment offerings nation-wide, which complement existing attractions like the Jeddah F1 Grand Prix and numerous 'Entertainment Seasons'.

Added to this are new theme parks such as Boulevard World in Riyadh, alongside the licensing of 24 additional theme parks by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority over the past year.

Riyadh winning the bid to host the 2030 World Expo is expected to inject $94.6 billion into the nation's capital, with an estimated 40 million visitors expected during the six-month event.

Worker accommodation

According to Faisal Durrani, Knight Frank's Partner – Head of Research, MENA, "Notwithstanding that worker-to-room ratios in Saudi can sometimes be lower than global averages, the provision of key worker accommodation for the hospitality sector will be essential ensure its future success.

"Not only does accommodation of this type help to mitigate against staff attraction and retention issues, but it also creates investment grade assets. Indeed, elsewhere in the GCC, key worker accommodation can trade for yields of as much as 10 per cent, depending on the location, quality, lease tenure and of course the tenant.”

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