Bahrain’s Tourism Minister Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi held a series of meetings with international tourism, travel, hospitality and investment leaders on the sidelines of the 26th World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Valletta, Malta, from October 7 to 9.
The meetings focused on strengthening international
cooperation, attracting investment and expanding Bahrain’s tourism offerings
through strategic partnerships with global industry players.
Al Sairafi met Malta’s Tourism Minister Dr Jo Etienne Abela
to discuss tourism cooperation, destination development, diversification of
tourism products and service improvements.
She reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to expanding
international partnerships and attracting quality investments to support
tourism and economic growth.
In talks with Nick Adams, the US Special Presidential Envoy
for Global Tourism and Values, the minister explored cooperation in destination
promotion, public-private partnerships and the role of major international
events in stimulating travel and tourism investment.
The meeting also highlighted the longstanding historical
ties between Bahrain and the United States.
The minister also met executives from four major
international companies to explore opportunities across tourism, retail,
hospitality and travel.
Discussions with Pansy Ho, executive chairman and managing
director of Shun Tak Holdings, centred on destination development and
integrated tourism projects.
With Trip.com Group chief executive Jane Jie Sun, Al Sairafi
discussed digital tourism marketing and strengthening Bahrain’s visibility on
global travel platforms.
Her meeting with Désirée Bollier, chair and global chief
merchant of Value Retail, focused on developing shopping tourism experiences,
while talks with Elie Maalouf, global chief executive of IHG Hotels &
Resorts, explored hotel expansion and investment opportunities.
The meetings underscored Bahrain’s efforts to strengthen its
international tourism presence, diversify visitor experiences and attract
investment across key tourism sectors. -TradeArabia News Service