Bahrain Records Significant Growth in Tourism, Attracting Global Visitors

Published on December 25, 2025

Tourism in Bahrain is on an upward trajectory, with a staggering 27% increase in revenues for the period from 2022 to 2025. This remarkable rise in Bahrain’s tourism fortunes puts the Kingdom at the top league of recent favorite destinations in the Gulf and underlines a strategic move by its government to shore up its tourism industry. Tourism contributes 6.9% to Bahrain’s GDP, an increase, according to Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi.

Key Drivers of Bahrain’s Tourism Growth
The impressive rise in tourism revenues can be attributed to several key factors, including Bahrain’s strategic location in the Gulf, its cultural heritage, and ongoing government support for tourism development.

1. Diverse Tourist Attractions
   Bahrain is home to a variety of attractions, from its stunning beaches and luxury resorts to its historical sites, such as the Bahrain Fort and the Bahrain National Museum. The Kingdom also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with modern art galleries, theaters, and music festivals that draw international visitors. Additionally, Bahrain has positioned itself as a destination for high-end shopping and fine dining, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
2. Government Support and Private Sector Collaboration
   A significant factor driving the growth of Bahrain’s tourism is the close collaboration between the government and the private sector. In particular, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has worked tirelessly to promote the Kingdom’s attractions through global marketing campaigns and partnerships with international travel agencies. Wego, a leading global travel platform, has partnered with BTEA to spotlight Bahrain as a premier destination, increasing its visibility in the competitive Gulf tourism market.

The Kingdom’s government has also made efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, including the expansion of its international airport, the development of more hotels and resorts, and the creation of new cultural venues. By investing in both infrastructure and services, Bahrain is not only attracting more visitors but also ensuring that they have a memorable and comfortable experience.

3. Annual Events and Cultural Festivals
   Bahrain’s calendar is filled with annual events and festivals that draw tourists from around the world. From the Bahrain Grand Prix, which attracts motorsports enthusiasts, to the Bahrain International Airshow, which brings aviation professionals and visitors alike, the Kingdom offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler. These events have become key drivers of tourism, with many visitors planning their trips around these exciting and world-class happenings.

Tourism as a Pillar of Bahrain’s Economic Strategy
Tourism has become one of the key pillars of Bahrain’s economic diversification strategy, moving away from reliance on oil revenues. The sector is not only contributing significantly to the GDP but is also creating jobs and supporting various industries such as hospitality, retail, transportation, and entertainment. As the Kingdom expands its tourism offerings, the economic benefits are increasingly felt across multiple sectors.

Minister Fatima Al Sairafi emphasized that the government’s work with the private sector to organize a variety of events and activities is driving tourism growth. In addition, the annual increase in tourist numbers, ranging from 15% to 20%, further highlights the momentum of Bahrain’s tourism sector. This growth is expected to continue, as Bahrain strengthens its tourism infrastructure and attracts more international visitors.

Bahrain’s Tourism Impact: Rising Inspections and Tourist Engagement
Another indicator of the tourism sector’s growth is the 160% increase in inspections of tourism-related establishments compared to last year. This surge reflects the growing dynamism of the tourism sector, as more visitors flock to the Kingdom and more businesses open to accommodate them. The increase in inspections is also a sign of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the tourism experience in Bahrain meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

The rise in tourist arrivals has led to increased engagement in various tourism activities, including guided tours, cultural exhibitions, and outdoor recreational experiences. This trend has positively impacted the hospitality sector, which has seen an uptick in bookings, particularly in the luxury travel segment. The development of Bahrain’s high-end tourism facilities, such as resorts and wellness centers, has attracted affluent tourists looking for relaxation, entertainment, and cultural exploration.

The Future of Bahrain’s Tourism Industry
Looking ahead, Bahrain aims to further solidify its position as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East. The government’s vision is focused on diversifying the economy and continuing to develop the tourism sector as a sustainable source of revenue. A part of this strategy includes attracting new types of tourism, such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and medical tourism, which are gaining popularity worldwide.

Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure, promote its cultural and historical assets, and host global events are all expected to contribute to further growth in the tourism industry. As more international visitors discover the Kingdom’s blend of modernity and tradition, Bahrain is well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming a top-tier global travel destination.

A Bright Future for Bahraini Tourism

With a 27% growth in tourism receipts in 2025, Bahrain is well on course and progressing steadily in this area. The Bahrain government’s aggressive and substantial support and collaboration with the private sector and a focus on recreational and cultural tourism in Bahrain have spurred economic and social growth. The number of inspections and steady growth in visitor numbers are definite signs that Bahrain is doing remarkably well in its tourism sector. As Bahrain continues and strives in its efforts to attain its aim of getting 30 million visitors in 2030, the Bahrain touristic sector is anticipated to be a major contributing force in these areas.