MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The GCC needs to bundle tourism packages as a strategy to attract more tourists through a concerted efforts by the governments of brotherly states.
Hisham Al Rayes, CEO and Board member Gulf Financial Group, while taking part in the vibrant discussion tourism during Gateway Gulf Forum at Four Seasons Hotel, cited an example of Emirates Airlines which had successfully marketed its destinations while combing Asian and European destinations of the airline.
Hisham was on a panel with Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism Bahrain, said that he was very optimistic about the future growth prospects of tourism sector while marketing for more than one GCC country as a package to attract European and Asian tourists.
“Medical tourism is one of the segments which has huge potential and Bahrain and GCC should do more on it though Abu Dahbi has been very successfully marketed this segment as well.”
He said that there was a need to work on unified tourist visa for all GCC countries like that of Schengen so that tourists can enjoy more than one GCC destinations in one package.
Talking about upcoming plans for his group, he said once the necessary approvals are sought, in four to six weeks, Raffles Hotel will launch medical, health and leisure tourism packages where guests can experience unique blend of medical, health, relaxation, leisure, and wildlife park which is adjacent to the newest hospitality destination of Bahrain in Al Areen.
The Areen masterplan consists of establishing the project as a leading high-end destination for living, hospitality, entertainment, and commerce located near Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in the Southern region of the Kingdom of Bahrain near Bahrain International Circuit and Al Dana Amphitheatre
Areen’s masterplan features Bahrain’s newest five-star hotel, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, at its heart. Designed according to Raffles’ exacting standards, the hotel is earmarked to be one of Bahrain’s most opulent hospitality offerings, capturing mesmerizing Arabian charm and world-class sophistication and elegance. Set over 131,213 square meters, the signature hotel is comprised of 78 villas and 120 rooms which include one, two and three bedrooms, each boasting private pools and gardens. The hotel also features five F&B outlets, a rooftop restaurant, and an award-winning spa for unbeatable relaxation.
