Tourism Minister receives delegation from China's Guangdong Province

Manama, Apr. 20 (BNA): Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, received a delegation from Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China, headed by Liu Hongbing, Deputy Governor of the provincial government.

She emphasised the strength of Bahraini-Chinese relations in various domains, particularly in the tourism sector, highlighting the mutual desire to strengthen cooperation and expand partnership opportunities between the two countries.

Minister Al Sairafi noted that China is one of the main tourism markets targeted by the Kingdom of Bahrain under its 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy. 

She highlighted that the Kingdom is commited to continue its tourism promotion efforts in cooperation with major travel and tourism companies and to study the interests of Chinese tourists. The aim is to continue attracting more Chinese visitors by launching specialised tourism packages in cooperation with travel agencies in China. She also highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector through coordination with major Chinese companies in the conference, meetings, and business tourism sectors to host high-level events in Bahrain.

During the meeting, they discussed means to enhance tourism cooperation with Guangdong Province, as well as opportunities for exchanging expertise and organising joint tourism events and initiatives. The minister noted that Gulf Air’s launch of direct flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai supports joint efforts, particularly in the economic and tourism sectors.

Al Sairafi highlighted Bahrain’s interest to build on its existing relations with China, contributing to opening new avenues for meaningful cooperation, especially in sustainable tourism, the exchange of tourism and investment delegations, and promoting Bahrain’s tourism, heritage, and cultural assets.

Liu Hongbing emphasised Guangdong Province’s commitment to enhance cooperation with the Kingdom and explore initiatives that support the development of tourism and cultural cooperation between the two sides.