Information Minister stresses F1 first day success

Manama, Apr. 17 (BNA): Information Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi has underlined the success of the first day of the 2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix with more than 20,000 spectators attending the event. The minister stressed that F1 race is not only an international sporting event but also one of the key development and civilisational projects launched by and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. He added the event testifies to Bahrain's pioneering regional and international status on the sports, tourism, investment and media map. "Bahrain's success in hosting the third biggest international sporting event for the 11th year is a vivid proof of the confidence put in the kingdom and its organisational, administrative and technical capabilities," he said, pointing out an influx of around 100,000 visitors into Bahrain during the days of the race thanks to the political stability, security, a modern infrastructure, a favourable tourism and investment climate and cultural diversity. The minister stressed the substantial contribution of F1 race to invigorating the national economy, pointing out its positive impact on the tourism, aviation, transportation, trade, hospitality, resorts and restaurants sectors. "Bahraini citizens have all the right to feel proud of hosting F1 race and to enjoy its recreational, artistic and promotional activities," he said, underscoring the importance of the event in promoting Bahrain as a favourable tourism, trade and investment destination as well as a major host of international events.