Bahrain regains its tourism crown, as Manama rated one of world’s most popular cities

Bahrain’s economy is robustly bouncing back after Covid, and the tourism sector is going from strength to strength, a new report by the Studies and Initiatives Centre of the Bahrain Chamber for Commerce and Industry has found.

The Kingdom’s tourism sector recorded a 161 percent increase in revenues in 2021, in comparison with 2020. 

Other strong metrics include an 11 percent increase in trade between Bahrain and other GCC countries in 2021; and a 2.2 percent growth in real GDP.

The report found that the hospitality sector (hotels and restaurants), transport and communication, and financial corporations were the principal three sectors of growth.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia kept its position as Bahrain’s top export market during Q4 of 2021, with total exports valued at $602 million. China continues to be Bahrain’s top import partner, with a total value of $543 million in imports during Q4 of 2021.

A UK-based study has meanwhile found Manama to be one of the top cities in the region and the world for retirees.

This is consistent with Bahrain consistently being rated as one of the favourite countries in the world for expats, due to its friendly environment, diverse options for entertainment, high standards of living and excellent standards of services and amenities.

A 2021 survey discovered that, despite the pandemic, the vast majority of expats had greater trust in Bahrain’s health sector and protective measures, and hence preferred to remain there, rather than returning to home countries; as has occurred elsewhere in the world.

As has been found with the Grand Prix F1, once people visit the Kingdom once they choose to keep coming back year after year. Bahrain for decades has been the tourism location of choice for the Gulf region and the wider Arab world, because of its gorgeous tourism amenities and relaxed cultural vibe.