Manama, April 27 (BNA) The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority Zayed Al-Zayani received Hagop Khajrian, the Regional Director of the International Basketball Association (FIBA) for Asia in Manama. In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and Dr. Nasser Al-Qaidi, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
Minister Al-Zayani discussed with Khajrian the development of joint cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the International Basketball Federation in line with the pillar of sports tourism in the Bahraini tourism strategy 2022-2026, which highlights the interest of the Bahrain Sports Tourism Authority in revitalizing sports tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In light of the progress of Bahraini sport and the local, regional and even global public appreciation it enjoys.
The Minister expressed the desire of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to discuss all ideas and initiatives related to supporting sports tourism with various regional and international sports federations and organizations, noting that the tourism and sports sectors intersect in many areas and complement each other in the context of accelerating the march of prosperity and development for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain has established its position as an important destination for attracting and hosting many continental and international events and championships, strengthening efforts to strengthen the sports system, and contributing to the economic growth of the Kingdom. He highlighted the Kingdom’s success in hosting major sporting events, such as Formula 1, which resulted in a 50% increase in the number of foreign visitors compared to 2019.
The Regional Director of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) praised the progress made by Bahrain in various sports, including basketball, expressing his admiration for the progress and development of sports teams and sports infrastructure in the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting Bahrain’s success in transforming sports into a profitable industry.
Khajrian praised the efforts of the Bahrain Tourism and Sports Authority in the successful integration of the sports and tourism industries, the promotion of the Bahraini tourism sector in regional and international markets, and the involvement of private tourism sector facilities in major sporting events, all of which contribute to achieving economic gains in the sports sectors. Tourism and the promotion of sustainable development goals in societies.
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