Bahrain's hotels occupancy rate reaches 87%

Manama: April 8 – (BNA): Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister; and, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister on the occasion of the success achieved by the Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix for Formula One and its contribution to boosting the Kingdom’s GNP. Shaikh Khalid said there has been an increase in five-star hotels occupancy rate during the Formula One period from 72.6% last year to 87% this year with an increase of 14.4%. Also, four-star hotels occupancy rate increased from 70.7% in 2013 to 86% this year with an increase of 15.3%. The overall average rate of hotels occupancy was in the range of 15.4%. Shaikh Khalid said that the Ministry of Culture pays much heed to sports tourism and has allocated a full chapter for it during the celebration of Manama as the Capital of Arab Tourism. The Ministry reiterates its keenness on this vital aspect of hosting several cultural activities and events that attract large numbers of visitors and residents,such as the annual Heritage Festival under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Bahrain Book Fair, and the Spring of Culture Festival. (IY)