First MSC International Trip docks in Bahrain

Manama, Dec. 8 (BNA): Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA), along with senior officials in the BTEA welcomed the arrival of MSC’s first cruise ship trip to Bahrain. The ship arrived at the Khalifa bin Salman port in Hidd on Thursday 8th December 2016. Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa was pleased to meet the captain and his crew and wished them an enjoyable stay in Bahrain. MSC is yet an additional sea trip in Bahrain’s new tourist ship season which is a unique outcome of the BTEA’s continuous efforts to increase the numbers of tourists to Bahrain by participating in international events, most recently, the Seatrade Cruise Med. The ship’s crew offered BTEA representatives a tour inside the luxury cruise to get a closer look at its facilities. Tours have been scheduled for the tourists to visit the old Manama market and the Bab Al Bahrain site to see the Bahraini social life and unique fabric before moving on to other prominent sites in the country. "We are pleased to welcome leading cruise company MSC. This project is significant to making Bahrain an important destination in international tourism and to further boost the economy through tourism", said Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa. "The tourist ship season will be a new period of active tourism throughout the year as the tourists will support the local crafts, therefore, we can expect a promising future for this industry." Last season, Bahrain received 30 ships as the movement of ships increased from 40% to 42% and the number of visitors by 55% as MSC joined with 4500 on its board.