Bahrain: Gulf Air CEO Samer Majali has paid tribute to the Bahrain Grand Prix in raising the profile of the kingdom.
Speaking at the official countdown for the race at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on Tuesday, Majali said the spectacle had had a significant impact on the country.
"The international sporting event at BIC's world class racing track is an ideal platform for the world to watch not just the Formula 1 race but to experience what Bahrain offers in terms of tourism, hospitality and business," he said.
"This year will be Gulf Air's eighth year as the official title sponsor of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Since its beginning in 2004 the race has gone from strength to strength. The airline has been instrumental in its success and in the economic benefits it has brought to the Bahrain economy.
Popular quotient
An independent valuation in 2008 reported that the race generated $600 million for the kingdom. Last year saw a record 100,000 visitors and organisers are confident that March's event will top that figure.
"As you might have seen in the past, come March, the whole nation comes alive celebrating the spirit of motorsport with individuals and companies both private and public associating themselves with the event in one way or the other...
"Bahrain has come to be recognised as one of the important and growing markets not only for motorsports but also for several spin off businesses and economic opportunities associated with the event..."
