MANAMA — A recent report from #W7Worldwide Communication Consultancy agency has predicted a significant growth in Bahrain’s exhibitions and conferences sector in 2018.

The report synced the growth of Bahrain’s ‘Exhibitions and Conferences’ sector with Bahrain’s 2030 National Economic Strategy vision to make it a regional hub for attracting and hosting prestigious exhibitions, conferences and meetings promoting Bahrain.

The vision of the #W7Worldwide Communication Consultancy agency report coincided with Bahrainis celebrating the National Day and the anniversary of King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa of taking office on Dec. 16.

The government’s interest in stimulating the exhibitions and conferences sector stems from a tourism strategy based on developments such as King Fahad Bridge, Bahrain International Airport and the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, the report adds.

Developmental elements for the Bahrain’s exhibitions and conferences sector include hotel development, developing marketing capabilities, developing facilities to accommodate the events and developing regulatory government procedure for future events.

According to the report, in the process of developing this sector over the next three years, the sector will activate business and tourism trips to attend the conferences, exhibitions and meetings.

Additionally, the development of marine facilities for private yachts from neighboring countries during permanent events in Bahrain will accommodate tourism facilities like hotels and furnished apartments.

The report also highlighted the role of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority — a government body established in 2015 —in bringing international and Middle Eastern companies and events to the attention of international companies.

The report stated that the exhibitions and conferences sector is an important economic industry as it drives domestic output while also creating a network of permanent and temporary jobs. — SG