BTEA Participates in International Weddings Exhibition in Riyadh
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) successfully wrapped up its participation in the International Weddings Exhibition, which took place between the 10th and 13th of February in Riyadh. The BTEA’s participation comes in line with the BTEA’s 2019-2022 strategy to promote the Kingdom as a prime wedding destination under the umbrella of “Island Wedding”.
The exhibition, which witnessed the participation of more than 30,000 visitors, enabled stakeholders in the wedding industry the opportunity to meet with international and well-known companies specializing in weddings and event management.
Various representatives from the BTEA, including the Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, alongside several five-star hotels with distinctive outdoor and indoor wedding halls such as the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Al Areen Palace & Spa, Gulf Hotel; in addition to the Wedding Planner, Salah Boushahri, participated in the exhibition to showcase the Kingdom’s offerings as an up and coming wedding destination.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain has transformed into a leading destination for hosting weddings and destination events, and has witnessed an increase in the number of visitors arriving from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to its close proximity in addition to the historical, cultural and historical ties between the neighboring countries,” said the Advisor to the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Dr. Ali Hassan Follad.
“Bahrain has many factors that make it the ideal destination for weddings due to its wide and unique range of services powered by advanced tourism facilities, including international luxury hotels, adjacent islands and private beaches, heritage sites, entertainment venues such as Bahrain International Circuit in addition to ease of access through the King Fahad Causeway. With a complete list of event planners, designers, caterers, specialized logistic managers and suppliers; the Kingdom of Bahrain is the ideal destination for families from KSA and the GCC to choose as a venue for various events,” he added.
The BTEA provides the much-needed support to easily organize a special wedding in Bahrain and plays an integral role in facilitating the wedding planning process by coordinating with several bodies, venues, and organizing bodies; facilitating visa issuance, transportation logistics, in addition to liaising with suppliers and industry professionals including Gulf Air.
The website www.bahrainislandwedding.com and social media account (@bahrainwedding) provides a comprehensive guide for all industry stakeholders. The website is an opportunity for any wedding planner, or any couple interested to have their special ceremony in Bahrain, to explore the diverse service categories and select the right supplier to help make their event a grand success.
The BTEA aims to continually host international and local business meetings, exhibitions, conferences, events and festivals. The Authority is also responsible for the issuance of licenses to host business conferences and exhibitions as well as supervising the organization process.
The BTEA’s participation in the exhibition comes in line with the BTEA’s long term strategy to further develop the Kingdom’s tourism sector and strengthen its position on a regional and international level under the slogan of ‘Ours. Yours.’, which contributes towards the Kingdom’s economy and the 2030 Economic Vision.
Background Information
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA)
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority was established in 2015 under the Royal Decree number (76) for the year 2015 issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Whereas the first clause of the Decree number (10) stated that an authority should be established under the supervision of the Council of Ministers
In 2015, BTEA started its operations under the Decree number (9) for the year 2015 to append the Tourism Affairs to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce based on the recommendation of HRH Prime Minister and under the law number (62) of the year 2016 to establish and regulate the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) and the Decree number (1) for the year 1985 to establish a Supreme Council for Tourism, and the law number (15) for the year 1986 to regulate the Tourism sector amended by a Law by Decree number (12) for the year 1994.