34 April 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings The Kingdom has embarked on a new tourism strategy to attract foreign investment by promoting Bahrain’s cultural identity and experiences through a series of efforts driven by the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). This year, Manama was declared as the Gulf Capital of Tourism in a decision made by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during the third quarter of 2015. The initiative aims to strengthen the development of two-way tourism between the GCC countries and their people, as well as familiarise them with the historic cities and civilisations of the region. The appointment of Manama as the Gulf Capital of Tourism has spurred a year-long calendar of activities held on a monthly basis, with the aim of attracting all segments of society. This month, the much-anticipated Hurafuna Handicrafts Festival, which started on March 31, will be held until April 9 at Bab Al-Bahrain in Manama. The festival will showcase the Kingdom’s rich heritage by exposing visitors to the traditional open markets of Bahrain. During the event, the souq will be decorated and lit up to create a vibrant atmosphere, adding to the shopping experience. The aim of the festival is to revive the allure of the old city and traditional bazaars. The event will also promote the local handmade goods that Bahrain is known for, showcasing traditional crafts that have been handed down through generations. Visitors will be invited to take an enjoyable journey into the history of Bahraini craftsmanship, as stalls will be erected in the souq to promote local handicrafts including basket weaving, production of traditional musical instruments and wooden boxes, pottery making, ship building and much more. The Hurafuna Handicrafts Festival will also feature live traditional musical performances to be held over the weekend in Bab Al Bahrain. “Bahrain is a remarkable place. Not just for tourism but it’s also a cosmopolitan city and a major business hub in the region. Our main focus this year is to promote the Kingdom through the Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism initiative,” says BTEA acting chief executive Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood Al Khalifa. “The initiative acts as our jumping board to revitalise the tourism sector by hosting events and activities based on a two-fold strategy; to attract tourists and reenergise tourism. The tourism industry has been identified as a ‘major non-oil economic growth driver’. Every month, we will be hosting an event catering to different segments of society.” Shaikh Khalid also added that the renovation of the traditional souq is an important aspect of enhancing commercial trade and tourism in the Kingdom, and that the souq has become an important tourist attraction due to its connection to Bahrain’s history and development. The festival will run from 4pm to 10pm every day, and is open to the public free of charge. Visit www.manama2016.com or follow BTEA across all social media channels on @tourismbh. REVIVING OLD SOUQS The old souqs of Bahrain will get an injection of new life with a brand new festival that will help promote traditional crafts and boost tourism. MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND TOURISM
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