Bahrain to lower visa fee for Indian tourists

Bahrain is planning to cut visa fee for Indian tourists from 25BHD (Bahrain Dinar) to 5BHD in a bid to attract tourists from this country. Announcement to this effect was said to have been made three days ago. Bahrain’s tourism department, a part of the country’s EDB (Economic Development Board), has put in place a well devised plan to offer tourists from India a wide-ranging tourism product offering for both the Free Independent Traveler (FIT) and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) markets. Jerad Bachar, Bahrain EDB’s executive director of tourism and leisure, was quoted by Express Travel World as saying that tourism was a crucial sector for the economic growth of this region. It is the fastest growing segment and the EDB is responsible for product development while for demand development the tourism office is responsible. The lowering of visa fee unambiguously states Bahrain’s commitment toward the Indian market, said Bachar. It is said to be the aim of Bahrain to offer Indians a niche tourism experience, which includes providing a product selection of shopping, art, culture, history and nightlife. In addition, the Bahrain International Circuit attracts a lot of Formula 1 sports aficionados. Meanwhile, the aviation sector is also sprucing up the current airport in order to get it ready for future trade. Discussions are said to be taking place between Bahrain and India to increase air connectivity. Other attractions of Bahrain from an Indian tourist’s viewpoint are a Krishna temple, which is two centuries old, besides churches and other religious places. If you are planning a visit to Bahrain and want more information as to how to go about it, contact one of Y-Axis’s 17 offices spread across the country.