Bahrain Continues to Lead the Middle East’s Tourism Industry with Major Wins at the World Travel Awards 2025, Highlighting Its Strong Presence in Business and Leisure Travel

Published on December 7, 2025

Manama, the vibrant capital of Bahrain, has been named World’s Leading Business Travel Destination at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2025. This prestigious recognition, awarded at Exhibition World Bahrain, marks a significant achievement for the Kingdom, solidifying its position on the global tourism map. The event brought together over 300 industry leaders and tourism professionals, making it one of the most impactful gatherings in the history of the World Travel Awards.

The 2025 World Travel Awards honored 120 winners across multiple categories, with Manama’s victory reflecting Bahrain’s successful strategy to grow its profile as a prime destination for international business tourism. This achievement is part of a broader effort to position Bahrain as a leader in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), a sector that continues to drive the Kingdom’s tourism expansion.

Exhibition World Bahrain Shines with Four Prestigious Awards

One of the event’s most notable moments was the success of Exhibition World Bahrain, which garnered four prestigious accolades. These included Bahrain’s Best Convention Centre, Middle East’s Best MICE Event Venue, World’s Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue, and World’s Leading MICE Event Venue. The recognition of Exhibition World Bahrain underscores the Kingdom’s exceptional capability to host high-profile events and large-scale international conferences.

This success aligns perfectly with the 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy, which focuses on enhancing Bahrain’s infrastructure and positioning the Kingdom as a world-class hub for MICE tourism. The award also highlights Bahrain’s growing importance in the international events and exhibitions sector, as the country continues to attract top-tier conferences and exhibitions.

Gulf Air’s Role in Bahrain’s Global Connectivity

In addition to Bahrain’s venue successes, the Kingdom’s national carrier, Gulf Air, was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to the Airline Industry award. This recognition highlights the airline’s crucial role in connecting Bahrain with the world, facilitating both leisure and business travel. Gulf Air’s strategic expansions and continuous efforts to enhance air connectivity are vital in supporting Bahrain’s status as a global business destination.

With increased flight routes and partnerships with international airlines, Gulf Air continues to serve as a critical link between Bahrain and the international business community, playing a key role in the Kingdom’s tourism and economic growth.

Bahrain’s Hospitality Sector Receives International Accolades

Bahrain’s hospitality industry also took center stage during the awards, with several leading hotels and resorts receiving global recognition. These awards showcase Bahrain’s diverse and world-class accommodations, which cater to both leisure and business travelers seeking luxury, comfort, and unique experiences.

Among the notable winners were:

• ChartHouse Bahrain: World’s Leading Boutique Hotel
• Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa: World’s Leading City Resort
• Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay: World’s Leading Family Hotel
• The Royal Penthouse at Conrad Bahrain: World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse
• Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa: World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort
• Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain: World’s Leading Palace Hotel
• The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain: World’s Leading Wedding Hotel

These awards demonstrate the breadth of Bahrain’s hospitality offerings, which range from intimate boutique properties to expansive luxury resorts. Whether it’s for family vacations, business trips, destination weddings, or luxury escapes, Bahrain’s hospitality sector continues to set the standard for excellence in the region.

Bahrain’s Tourism Vision Comes to Fruition

The success of Manama as World’s Leading Business Travel Destination and the recognition of its hospitality and aviation sectors reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to its tourism development strategy. The 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy has played a pivotal role in positioning Bahrain as a top global destination for business and leisure tourism. By focusing on infrastructure improvements, enhancing the MICE sector, and fostering partnerships with global tourism leaders, Bahrain has rapidly established itself as a key player in the international tourism landscape.

These achievements demonstrate the tangible results of Bahrain’s long-term vision to diversify its economy and establish itself as a tourism and business hub in the Middle East. As a global destination, Bahrain offers a blend of modernity, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional hospitality, making it an attractive choice for international travelers.

Bahrain’s Global Tourism Momentum

The World Travel Awards Grand Final 2025 has further solidified Bahrain’s position as a premier destination for business events, conferences, and international tourism. The country’s ability to host high-profile events, coupled with its luxury accommodations and seamless connectivity, ensures its growing influence on the global stage.

As Bahrain continues to develop its tourism offerings, it is on track to become a leading destination for both business and leisure travelers. The Kingdom’s expanding tourism infrastructure, coupled with a diverse range of world-class hotels, resorts, and event venues, ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the global tourism industry.

Looking Ahead: Bahrain’s Tourism Future

Bahrain’s recognition at the World Travel Awards 2025 signals the beginning of a bright future for its tourism sector. With continued investment in infrastructure, strategic partnerships with global tourism organizations, and a focus on sustainability and innovation, Bahrain is poised to remain a top choice for international business travelers and tourists alike.

As the Kingdom positions itself as a leading global tourism destination, its rich cultural experiences, luxurious hospitality, and vibrant city life ensure that it will continue to attract visitors from around the world. With its growing presence on the international stage, Bahrain is set to remain a dynamic and essential player in the global tourism industry.