The labour-intensive tourism sector is being developed to further contribute to Bahrain's growth, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi said yesterday.

'The focus is on quality family and cultural tourism,' he said as he visited the three-day Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE 2009).

It is being orgnaised by Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management, a division of Magnum Holdings, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

'Bahrain's presence in travel and tourism field is clear if we consider the existence of tens of travel and tourism offices in addition to hospitality colleges that prepare skilled staff to meet the sector's labour requirements,' he said.

He said 5,000 to 7,000 people, 30 per cent of whom are Bahrainis, are employed in the sector.

'We are conducting programmes to increase the numbers. There is a lot of interest from Bahraini youngsters and they are being encouraged to take up jobs in the industry.'

Dr Al Alawi, accompanied by senior officials, diplomats and guests, toured pavilions.

Meanwhile, Culture and Information Ministry tourism adviser Dr Heba Abdulaziz said the hospitality industry would be overhauled.

The ministry is working with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) to set up a fresh set of regulations for hotels' classification, she said.

'The four- and five-star hotels' classification will be reviewed under the new rules and benchmarks.'

An international audit would be conducted on all hotels. WTO officials will come to Bahrain and assess their facilities and services, she said.

She said tourism regulations needed to be completely re-worked. 'We have to practically begin from scratch if we are serious about promoting Bahrain as a tourist destination. Everything has to be re-worked.'

Magnum Holding group chairman Jamil Wafa said he was encouraged by the response from exhibitors and people. 'We expect the visitor numbers to top 20,000 during the three-day event.

'We feel this is a significant achievement in the face of the global financial crunch.'

Civil Aviation Under-Secretary Abdulrahman Al Gaoud said Bahrain International Airport was undergoing major expansion to meet requirements of Vision 2030 and booming tourism activities.

The event is open today to the public from 3pm to 9pm and tomorrow from 10am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 9pm. Entry is free. - TradeArabia News Service