Influx of Gulf visitors propels Bahrain hotel recovery

Cairo: Bahrain's hotel sector has experienced a boom during Eid Al Fitr, driven by an influx of Gulf tourists mainly Saudis, according to media reports.

The surge in the numbers of visitors has resulted in hotel occupancy rates of more than 90% in the kingdom. Occupancy at some hotels has reportedly surged to 95% of their overall capacity during the holiday.

Saudi visitors are believed to constitute around 60% of the overall numbers of tourists to Bahrain.

The King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain remarkably facilitates such trips.

More than 100,000 people cross the causeway on average daily during the Eid holiday, which is reflected in the occupancy rates of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities in Bahrain.

Eid Al Fitr that follows the Islamic holy month of Ramadan usually marks a peak season for hotels in Bahrain that offers an open and diverse entertainment environment. This makes it a favourite holiday destination for Saudi families and young people.

Saudi tourists spend three to four times more than visitors from other countries, according to media data.

Initial figures indicate that Bahrain has achieved a strong tourism season during Eid Al Fitr that began this year on March 30. The growth is due in part to facilities offered to passengers using the King Fahd Causeway.

The 25km-long bridge usually sees heavy traffic during the summer holiday and the feasts of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

The causeway is also of economic importance for both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, particularly for their tourism and logistics sectors.