Manama, May 10 (BNA) Traders in the Manama Souq said that the recent events held by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority helped support the commercial and tourism movement in the market.
They urged the authority to continue organizing such events throughout the year to maintain economic activity in the market, which is one of the most famous historical markets in the Arabian Gulf and the region.
They said, “We are ready to support the efforts of the Bahrain Tourism Authority in implementing the ongoing events program in the market by participating in events, such as festivals, carnivals, celebrations, shows and tours, and offering discounts and rewarding prizes.”
They also pointed out their importance in supporting the tourism and economic sector in Bahrain, such as the “Manama Golden Festival” in which about 180 gold shops participated.
Over the course of one month, the festival recorded total sales of over $3.1 million.
It included a weekly draw for all visitors who shopped at any of the gold outlets in the Manama Souq where 17 winners were announced including a grand prize of gold bars worth BD5,000.
The festival also included various artistic performances and a digital museum in cooperation with the “Manama Story” initiative.
The merchants also highlighted other events, such as the traditional fashion show at Bab Al Bahrain Mall that showcased gold as an authentic Bahraini heritage, as well as the Gargaon event.
The Manama Souq, according to the CEO of BTEA, Dr. Nasser Qaidi, is an important feature of the Tourism Authority’s year-round schedule of events, as well as an important aspect of Bahrain’s commercial, social and cultural heritage, and a popular tourist attraction.
The face of Dr. Qaidi thanked all parties and traders who supported the authority’s efforts in reviving the Manama market.
He stressed that the authority is preparing for many initiatives in the Manama market, including the outdoor cinema, and tours for visitors and tourists inside the market, in addition to the “Bahrain Design Week” during the second half of this year.
Saleh Tarada, Chairman of the Capital Municipality Council, said that the Bahrain Tourism and Travel Authority’s events program in the Manama Souq is an essential component of its development project, the development of squares such as Taweesh Square, and the study of the allocation of facilities such as parking spaces and other services that meet the requirements of the needs of visitors, tourists and merchants.
The head of the National Committee for the Manama Market and the owner of the Mahrous store pointed out the importance of the timing of the events implemented by the authority in the Manama market, saying that it came after a difficult period in the market as a result of market conditions. Corona pandemic.
“We also want the Manama market to be a major factor in the entertainment and tourism events organized by the Bahrain Tourism Authority throughout the year, as well as promoting the market outside Bahrain to attract tourists and visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,” he said.
“We believe this is in the common interest of all, for us as traders, the market as a heritage tourist attraction, and for the Bahraini economy,” he added.
Deputy Chairman of the National Committee for Manama Souq, owner of the heritage village café in the market, Mahmoud Al-Namleti, said that the success prompted the Tourism Authority to organize festivals specific to the market.
“There could be a heritage market festival that will bring visitors and tourists to markets such as the Tawish, blacksmith and textile markets, or a folk food festival that will feature shops like Aloo Bashir, Haji Café, the Heritage Village Restaurant and others,” he said.
Al-Namliti expressed his hope that these efforts will contribute to accelerating the return of the Manama market to its rightful place at the forefront of tourist destinations in Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf.
“It is one of the oldest commercial markets in the region and home to many Bahraini merchant families. It is also a center of attraction for visitors and tourists from the Arabian Gulf, the region and the world.”