Hoteliers, retailers and restaurateurs in Bahrain are banking on a rush of tourists from around the region this weekend for the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

They are particularly hoping to benefit from lengthy national holidays in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with occupancy rates of around 85 per cent expected in the country’s top hotels, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Government workers in Saudi Arabia are enjoying a whopping 12-day holiday, which started last Friday (July 10) and ends on July 21, while those in Saudi’s private sector will start their six-day break tomorrow (July 17).

Civil servants in Qatar commenced their six-day Eid holidays yesterday.

“It will be a good season for the hotels in Bahrain as this Eid falls during a period when many families in the Gulf plan their annual vacation,” said Bahrain Five Star Hotels Committee head Abdulnabi Al Daylami.

He told the GDN yesterday that because Eid coincided with a weekend, meaning extended holidays for many tourists, large numbers of GCC visitors were expected.

“Everyone wants to go out and relax after Ramadan and some hotels will witness 100 per cent occupancy rates in Bahrain,” he predicted.

“Overall, we are expecting around 85 per cent occupancy in five-star hotels and will see a good traffic in malls and restaurants.”

However, he added the fact that Eid falling during summer meant some travellers might choose to visit cooler climes to escape the Gulf heat and humidity.

“Everyone loves Bahrain and wants to come here, but a majority of families in Gulf countries travel outside the region for their summer vacation.”

Meanwhile, Bahrain Four Stars Hotel Committee chairman Hameed Al Halwachi said several hotels had undergone renovation and repairs during Ramadan to welcome tourists this weekend.

“During Ramadan some hotels had less than 20pc occupancy because there were no nightlife activities and now this is the time for them to make money,” he said.

“We expect 70 per cent occupancy on the first day of Eid in four-star hotels, which could increase to 95 per cent on the second day.”

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has lined up a series of concerts for the Eid holidays.

The Mohamed bin Fares Folk Band and the annual Ta’a Al Shabab youth culture festival will be held on Saturday at the Cultural Hall, from 8pm.

On Sunday music with a Moroccan flavour will be performed at the same venue from 8pm, while Saudi musician Majid Al Mohandis will perform at the Bahrain National Theatre on Tuesday from 8pm.

“I think several fans from the Gulf want to watch Majid Al Mohandis live in Bahrain next week and this will help the hospitality industry,” said Al Halwachi.

Bahrain’s popular restaurants district in Adliya is expected to witness a good turnout of visitors who will either have their lunch or dine out during the Eid holidays.

The Al Dhiyafa Association Bahrain, which represents several restaurants and food outlets in Adliya, said it was looking forward to welcoming the visitors.

“We expect tourists to increase in the coming days because of the Eid and summer holidays which is a good sign for the industry,” said association vice chairman Nawaf Al Shawwa.

“Some restaurants have prepared special menus and dishes to attract customers in addition to the different promotions.

“It looks positive and promising.”

Bahrain’s official moon sighting committee at the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs will meet today and if, as expected, the moon is visible Eid will officially start tomorrow. If not, the Eid festivities will commence on Saturday. - TradeArabia News Service