Bahrain Rolls Out Red Carpet for Chinese Tourists
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Bahrain is rolling out the red carpet for Chinese tourists and investors, as the Gulf nation pins high hopes on tourism to diversify its economy.
The island kingdom saw a 40% year-on-year surge in Chinese travelers in the first three quarters of 2025, following the launch of direct flights from its capital Manama to Beijing and Shanghai in May 2024, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaaffar Al Sairafi told Caixin during an interview earlier this month.
Since then, roadshows have been regularly held in China to attract Chinese travelers to Bahrain, Al Sairafi said on the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum, adding that the most recent roadshow took place last month, when Bahraini tourism department officials met with about 150 Chinese travel agencies.
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- Bahrain saw a 40% year-on-year increase in Chinese tourists in early 2025 after launching direct flights to China in May 2024.
- Tourism's share of Bahrain's GDP rose to 6.8%, and foreign direct investment in the sector grew 35% in 2025.
- Initiatives include the “China Ready” program, streamlined visas, and a focus on attracting private investment over state-funded projects.
- Gulf Air
- Gulf Air is Bahrain's national carrier. It launched direct flights between Manama and Beijing and Shanghai in May 2024. These new direct flights, coupled with streamlined visa policies, have contributed to a significant increase in Chinese travelers visiting Bahrain.
- 2021：
- Bahraini government set out an economic recovery plan that includes investing in tourism.
- 2024：
- Foreign direct investment in Bahrain’s tourism sector increased by 35% in 2025 compared to this year.
- May 2024：
- Direct flights from Manama to Beijing and Shanghai were launched.
- First quarter of 2025：
- Bahrain’s non-oil sector contributed 84.8% of GDP; accommodation and food services industry recorded 10.3% year-on-year growth.
- First three quarters of 2025：
- Bahrain saw a 40% year-on-year surge in Chinese travelers.
- October 2025：
- Most recent roadshow by Bahraini tourism officials in China took place, meeting about 150 Chinese travel agencies.
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