The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority focused on boosting cruise calls at the kingdom's ports at a recent Cruise Sector Committee meeting held at its office.

The meeting was held as a part of BTEA’s efforts to develop this sector in line with the kingdom’s tourism strategy.

“The aim of such meetings is to strengthen the cooperation between all stakeholders and drive the growth of the tourism sector and national economy at large. Developing the cruise sector in Bahrain will boost tourism in Bahrain and further position the kingdom as a destination for yachts on a regional and international scale,” said the chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa.

The meeting also included a high-level presentation discussing the 2016-2017 Cruise Season which was delivered by the director of Tourism Marketing and Promotions at BTEA, Yousif Al Khan. The presentation discussed the strategies and plans adopted by the BTEA to promote Bahrain such as participation in exhibitions and conferences specific to the cruise industry.

“During our participation in regional and international events, we were able to attract MSC Cruises Netherlands and Tom San Cruises to the kingdom for the first time,” he added.

The meeting also included a session by the vice president of Inchcape Shipping Services, Grant Holmes, in regards to the company's services and solutions aimed at assisting and supporting the cruise sector based on the latest global trends and needs.

The session was attended by various stakeholders including the Ministry of Interior, general directorate of Nationality Passports and Residence Affairs, Ports and Maritime Affairs, Customs Affairs, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Other participating stakeholders also include APM Terminals, Dnata Travel, Eagle Hills, Matias Travel & Tours, Southern Tourism Company, Visit Bahrain and At Bahrain. - TradeArabia News Service