Tourism

The kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands located in the Arabian Gulf with year-round sunshine and a hot desert climate. It has a strong cultural heritage and a modern outlook to give the traveler all the elements of an all-round experience.

Attractions for visitors in “island of golden smiles”

For several centuries, pearl diving was the mainstay of the economy and oyster beds are still an attraction for tourists. With its warm, shallow waters, Bahrain is a popular diving destination and also boasts several ancient monuments as a tribute to its colorful past. Numerous souks sell everything from spices and gold to textiles and traditional foods, and the well-preserved Bahrain, Riffa and Arad forts testify to kingdom’s rich military history. The Bait Al Qu’ran houses a valuable collection of the Holy Qu’ran and manuscripts. Bahrain’s greatest asset, however, is the warmth and hospitality of its people, and visitors will find a welcoming nation in the “island of golden smiles”.

Tourism has been targeted as one of the kingdom’s sectors with particular growth potential and family tourism has been made a principal focus for the government. As part of the government’s diversification strategy, tourism projects have been multiplying and are providing an increased variety of leisure activities and attractions. The well-known Bahrain International Circuit, the Al Areen project, the Hawarr Islands resort and the Durat Al Bahrain resort are all exciting new developments in Bahrain’s already well-established hospitality infrastructure.

The Dadabhai Group

The Dadabhai Group is a respected conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate development, electrical goods, a hotel management school, and a number of hotels. The four-star Elite Hotel is ideally located in the Jufair district, close to the Bahrain International Convention and Exhibition Center and the central business district.

According to Himanshu Ghandi, “We set standards for quality. Personalized service is what sets us apart.” For business guests there are modern conference facilities and a business center, and the 106 rooms are also ideal for leisure travelers. The hotel has a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, including the popular Wrangler Wild West Saloon, the Mediterranean Olive Garden restaurant, Yasmine Club Arab restaurant and the trendy Fashion Street nightclub.

Ghandi comments, “We have long had good relations with American guests and welcome them to our hotel. Bahrain is a safe and welcoming country to visit. The Elite hotel is a home away from home.”

Elite Executive Apartments offer luxurious long-stay options in six different residences in and around thecapital Manama with one, two and three-bedroom residences. These provide business facilities, fully equipped kitchens, 24 hour room service, and a pool, gym and sauna.

The Regency InterContinental

“A long history in Bahrain.”

The Regency InterContinental, with its prime central Manama setting, is conveniently located for the Diplomatic area, the Seef District and next door to the futuristic fast-developing Bahrain Financial Harbor.
Mixing modern architecture with traditional Arabic hospitality, the hotel boasts 321 guest rooms and suites with Internet connection and 51 channel television, with the Summit Executive Floor providing additional options including private offices, fax machines, private check in, a boardroom-style meeting room, butler service and many other amenities.

The hotel’s six dining options range from the elegant French ‘Versailles’ Restaurant to the Lebanese ‘Al Berdaouni’ that offers true Arabian Hospitality with live entertainment by a belly-dancer and an oriental singer. The pub-style Clipper Room has a live band, the Bistro offers all-day dining, and there is a café lounge, a lobby pastry shop and an extensive poolside terrace with Jacuzzi.

A fully-equipped business center is available plus a variety of meeting and premium conference/ banquet facilities with WIFI access to accommodate 8 – 600 people. The hotel also has a fitness center with squash and tennis courts, sauna, gym and massage.

General Manager Renzo Cavagliotti says, “By catering successfully to business travelers for more than 20 years, the hotel recognizes their needs. They feel at home here and guests are coming back because of our experience and reputation. We have a long history in Bahrain and are the meeting point for international travelers and the local business community.”

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

“Swiss quality standards and friendly local hospitality.”

The new five-star Mövenpick Hotel, ideally located near the airport and only 10 minutes from the city center, offers, as General Manager Frank Reichenbach says, “a winning combination of Swiss quality standards and friendly local hospitality.”

The hotel sets the standard for business facilities and is known for its personalized service and for its excellent food and beverage options, which include the popular Silks restaurant featuring Middle Eastern, Continental and Asian cuisine and the convivial Flamingo Bar.

The Mövenpick’s state-of-the-art conference facilities include a variety of meeting rooms, with a capacity ranging from 8 to 20 persons. By mid 2005, a 465 square meter ballroom will open its doors and will offer a total banquet capacity of 250 persons, with an additional prefunction area for 350 persons. Wireless Internet in and around the hotel, secretarial and translation services and the latest visual communications equipment are on hand.

The hotel offers 106 rooms and suites, including non-smoking rooms, and has its own outdoor pool, health club and tennis court. For travelers to Bahrain, the luxurious new Mövenpick is the top choice.

Avis

“We add value for customers.”

Avis has been operating in Bahrain for 27 years and is known for its high level of personalized service. General Manager Hameed Al-Kooheji says that Avis customers receive the highest standards of service, and that all Avis staff live up to the slogan “We try harder.”

He explains, “This is key to our performance in Bahrain’s competitive market. We try to keep prices the same, and add value for customers.” Avis is currently expanding its fleet and utilizing technology to better serve its customers.

Located throughout Bahrain, Avis offers the full range of services to corporate and leisure travelers. Its fleet includes Mercedes and Chrysler cars for VIP corporate clients, as well as a number of other models.
Avis has many customers from the United States, and offers short and long-term leasing options, chauffeur services and a 24-hour breakdown and replacement service. Al Kooheji is proud to say that he maintains high customer loyalty, stressing that United States customers can expect the same service from Avis in Bahrain as they would in the United States.

Al-Kooheji expects Bahrain to be an important partner for US corporations in the Gulf. He is also keen to solve the transportation needs of new corporate clients.

Al Safir Hotel

“We ensure the highest level of service for all our guests.”

The Al Safir Hotel, a deluxe four-star property with 114 spacious and luxurious rooms and six suites, is set across the waters from Bahrain’s Central Business District. Managing Director, Hameed Al-Halwachi describes the Al Safir as a hotel for business travelers. “We welcome them to stay here with us,” he says.
The hotel has extensive dining and entertainment choices, including a cabaret club, nightclub, two bars, an Iraqi restaurant, and the Savoy cafe. Each of the rooms is comfortable and well-equipped, with satellite television and 24-hour room service. There is a pool with Jacuzzi, and the Laylati banquet hall can accommodate 350 guests for corporate events.

The Al Safir Hotel differentiates itself through its customer service, and by providing an all-round experience for guests. It has extensive experience in catering to the needs of regional and international travelers. “We ensure the highest level of service for all our guests, and have trained, professional staff to ensure a pleasant stay,” says Hameed.

The Al Safir Hotel is a secure destination for any traveler. “Bahrain is the safest country in the world,” stresses Hameed. “Come stay with us and feel at home.”

Novotel Al Dana Resort

“Come and experience true Bahraini hospitality.”

The newly opened Novotel Al Dana Resort, designed in the style of an Arabian fort, is a welcome new addition to Bahrain. Located on the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, it is also close to the city’s business and shopping districts.

A beachfront resort with extensive leisure facilities, the Novotel Al Dana is also ideal for corporate travelers. ”We are making Bahrain understand the resort concept,” explains General Manager Philippe Montaubin.
The Novotel Al Dana has 172 luxurious rooms and suites, including spacious two-story suites with a living room and kitchenette. For business travelers there is a high-speed Internet connection in each room, a well-equipped business center, and conference facilities for up to 120 people.

“What sets this hotel apart is the attitude of the staff and their attention to guests,” says Montaubin. “The hotel is also well known for its restaurants and cuisine.” These include the Mediterranean brasserie Zytoun, and the renowned La Perle seafood restaurant.

For long or short-stay travelers seeking a resort hotel in the city center with extensive facilities, the Novotel Al Dana is ideal. “Come and experience true Bahraini hospitality,” says Montaubin, “in a true Bahraini atmosphere.”

Europcar Bahrain

“We differentiate ourselves through our service.”

Europcar Bahrain is part of Speedy Motor Services, a diversified transportation services company established in 1974. Managing Director Shaikh Khalid Mohamed Ebrahim Al Khalifa has grown the business into one of the leading local motoring companies in Bahrain. Europcar is the company’s key business, managed by Syed Bahauddin.

With a fleet of over 300 vehicles ranging from Ford cars to a spacious 33-seater luxury bus, the fleet’s jewel is a red stretch limousine. Europcar has a wide range of cars to cater for all needs. Bahauddin is proud of the level of customer service provided by Europcar and its high client retention rates. He says, “Clients rent again and again. We differentiate ourselves through our service.”

Europcar provides both self-drive and chauffeur driven vehicles, as well as the only 24 hour radio meter taxi and trailer service in Bahrain. Europcar offers a vehicle replacement service in case of breakdown, and competitive prices. The company also has an executive transport service to all GCC states, and is proud to announce a new office in Damman, Saudi Arabia as well as several planned offices in the future. This will provide a daily shuttle bus service between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Europcar has a history of short and long-term leasing deals with US corporations. As Bahauddin explains, “We are more than ready for new business.”