Bahrain: World Travel Awards Grand Finale In Manama, Highlighting The Kingdom As A Regional Tourism And Exhibition Hub

Published on December 6, 2025

The Kingdom of Bahrain has been firmly established on the global tourism map as preparations have been successfully completed for the hosting of the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Finale. The highly anticipated event, which is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the hospitality and travel sectors worldwide, is scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

For the first time in its history, this distinguished global gathering is being held within the Kingdom, marking a pivotal and celebratory moment for the nation and its burgeoning visitor economy. The significance of this occasion is not merely ceremonial; rather, it is viewed as a definitive affirmation of Bahrain‘s dedication to developing a world-class environment for international business and leisure activities. The convergence of travel elite in the nation’s capital is expected to generate widespread media coverage, further elevating the profile of Bahrain as a key regional destination.

A Milestone in the Development of Bahrain’s Tourism Sector

The magnitude of the event being hosted cannot be overstated. The 32nd WTA Grand Finale represents the culmination of a year-long process of recognising and celebrating excellence across the global travel industry. The decision to select Bahrain as the host nation for this event was reached following a rigorous assessment, and the selection itself is considered a powerful testament to the Kingdom’s evolving infrastructure and its commitment to fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem.

The Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, the chosen venue, has meticulously ensured that all technical and logistical requirements have been addressed, guaranteeing that the ceremony will be executed with the precision and grandeur expected of an event of this stature. The Centre’s readiness is emblematic of the nation’s capacity to manage and deliver large-scale international events.

Confidence Reflected in World-Class Facilities

The hosting opportunity is considered a direct consequence of strategic investment in infrastructure, particularly in facilities such as the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. A strong statement regarding the event’s significance was offered by Sara Ahmed Buheji, who currently holds the important dual role of CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Chairperson of the Exhibition Centre’s Board. Her perspective is valued highly within the national tourism strategy.

It has been conveyed by Sara Ahmed Buheji that the ability of Bahrain to host the WTA Grand Finale unequivocally reflects the global confidence that has been placed in the Kingdom’s revitalised tourism sector. This confidence extends beyond mere logistical capability and is deeply rooted in the acknowledged quality of the Centre’s world-class facilities.

The Distinguished History of the World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards system holds an established and enduring position within the global travel community. Since its initial launch in 1993, the programme has matured into one of the most respected honours that can be achieved within the travel industry worldwide. The fundamental premise of the WTA is to recognise, reward, and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry. The annual cycle of the awards is a globally distributed endeavour. The Grand Finale, taking place in Bahrain, represents the conclusive stage of the annual global tour, which systematically incorporates regional events held across multiple continents. These preceding regional ceremonies ensure that excellence is first recognised at a local level before the global competition is finalised.

Recognising Global Leaders and Inspiring Excellence

A major component of the Grand Finale event is the formal recognition of outstanding achievements. During the prestigious ceremony, an impressive total of 118 winners will be officially honoured. These recipients have been identified through a comprehensive voting process and evaluation system as being the undisputed global leaders in their respective categories. The categories span the full spectrum of the travel sector, encompassing airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agencies, car rental providers, and destination management companies.

The status conferred upon these award winners is highly valued, serving not only as a mark of success but also as a powerful marketing tool that validates their commitment to service and quality. Being designated a global leader by the WTA carries considerable weight and is indicative of an organisation’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

Shaping Bahrain’s Future as a Regional Hub

The long-term impact of hosting the World Travel Awards Grand Finale is considered highly strategic for the Kingdom. The event is widely expected to further highlight and solidify Bahrain’s growing and influential position as a primary regional hub for both major tourism and business events. By successfully executing an event that attracts the most discerning individuals and organisations in the travel world, Bahrain demonstrates its operational maturity and its readiness to compete with established global destinations.

The visibility gained from international media coverage, coupled with the first-hand positive experiences of the influential attendees, serves as a powerful form of promotion for the Kingdom. It showcases the cultural richness, the welcoming nature of the people, and the efficiency of the supporting services. The connections forged during the Grand Finale between Bahraini officials and global industry leaders are anticipated to lead to new investments, partnerships, and greater tourist inflows in the years to come.