Bahrain storm

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The Kingdom of Bahrain is often thought of in context of its size: the modest little island nestled between its considerably larger neighbours Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Although the country is often praised for its paradise-like beauty, you could be forgiven for underestimating the impact this tiny island could have on the tourism industry.

But now the smallest Arab state is aiming high - and with good reason. Investors are flocking to the Kingdom, and as a result, its travel and tourism market is booming.

By 2014, the Kingdom hopes its tourism market will generate around 10% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, according to World Travel Council figures, Bahrain's tourism revenue is expected to reach US $10 billion by 2017.

Pipeline projects

This is an area of the Gulf that will see radical change over the next few years.

Following on from the country's existing connection with Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, construction will shortly begin on a bridge to connect Bahrain and Qatar via the Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge.

At 45km, the long-awaited bridge will be the world's longest fixed link, and a natural extension of the King Fahd Causeway.

This will open up the area for even more visitors to wonder at the country's attractions, such as the Durrat Al Bahrain, a string of artificial islands in a necklace formation, currently under construction off the south coast.

Offering residential, commercial and resort elements including a championship golf course designed by Ernie Els and a 400-berth marina, the project is Bahrain's largest luxury mixed-use development.

Another coming attraction is the multi-million dollar indoor ski resort Iceberg Tower, offering skiing, snow-boarding, sledging and ice climbing.

The project, scheduled for completion in 2009, will also include a convention hall, ice sculpture park, arctic zoo, shopping mall and seaside resort.

Increasing interest

Already up-and-running is the Al Areen development, an impressive two million square metre project located in the southern region of Bahrain, next to Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary and Bahrain International Circuit.

The development comprises villas, apartments, a shopping mall and hotels, including a Banyan Tree property.

Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen director of sales and marketing Waike Papke believes the Bahrain tourism market is one to watch.

"As seen in most of the other Middle Eastern countries, travel and tourism plays an increasing role in the Kingdom of Bahrain."

"The Ministry of Tourism is constantly improving its support towards the local tourism industry - participating in all major exhibitions, simplifying visa regulations and creating an improved infrastructure to attract more travellers year on year," she explains.

"The number of leisure travellers has increased consistantly over the past years, with visitors coming to Bahrain to enjoy a relaxed weekend, experience the country's historical sites or simply take the family to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) or Lost Paradise of Dilmun (LPOD), Al Areen's new water park," Papke adds.

"Most of Bahrain's visitors are from the neighbouring GCC countries, but an increasing interest for the destination can be seen, especially from the European and Asian markets."

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