The tourism industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain is growing rapidly and is expected to reach US$1 billion by 2020, according to figures released ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2017.

Bahrain witnessed an 8.4 per cent increase in inbound traffic in the third quarter of 2016 and a peak of 1.4 million arrivals during the month of August.

With the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority spearheading a robust marketing campaign, the Kingdom expects to welcome 15.8 million annual visitors by 2018.

This will represent an increase of 36.2 per cent on current figures and will place the country’s tourism industry on track to reach its $1 billion 2020 target.

Simon Press, senior exhibition director, ATM, said: “The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority has engaged with a number of public authorities and private sector organisations over recent months and the returns are beginning to be realised.

“The BTEA now operates seven official representation offices worldwide, with a focus on source markets in Europe and Asia, and will continue to work hand-in- hand with hotels, tour operators and cruise lines to achieve its objectives.”

This phenomenal growth will be driven primarily by the leisure sector, which should rise in terms of value by 4.3 per cent per annum to BHD 1.2 billion in 2026.

At the same time, business arrivals will generate BHD 219.3 million per annum by 2026.

As activity continues to increase, GDP contributions from tourism will also rise, from the 10.6 per cent contribution witnessed in 2015 to a predicted 13 per cent contribution towardsGDP in 2026.

Arabian Travel Market takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre April 24th-27th.