Manama, July 16 (BNA) — As part of the ongoing cooperative and consulting meetings between Tourism sector and its employees, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood Al Khalifa received at Tourism Sector building, Bab Al-Bahrain, the representatives of the Bahrain’s Four-Star Hotels Committee.
Both sides discussed a number of topics, including providing free Internet services for visitors of four-star hotels, in line with international standards required by the UN World Tourism Organization, in order to upgrade hotel services in Bahrain. The committee welcomed this proposal and promised its implementation. H.E Shaikh Khalid Bin Hammood Al-Khalifa also argued that working closely with both the public and private sector to attract investment opportunities that would stimulate the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom.
They also agreed to set a professional training program for the affiliates of the tourism sector abroad in internationally-recognised centres so as to boost tourism in the kingdom. The importance of quality hospitality and tourism training institutes cannot be overstated, in Bahrain or in any other country. Indeed, staff and skill shortages; and questionable stay experiences are putting a heavy onus on the tourism operators to uphold standards. Today, Bahrain Summer Festival events are planned to nip these shortfalls in the bud with its wide-ranging staff sourcing and apprentice hospitality training in different hotels.
Both sides also endorsed a proposal to take advantage of the Bahrain Summer Festival to promote Bahrain’s tourism landmarks, in cooperation with hotels in the country. Promoting Bahrain as a leading tourist destination. This includes participation in internationally renowned events, whether inside or outside Bahrain, to raise awareness of the kingdom’s tourism capabilities.
Shaikh Khalid Bin Hammod Al-Khalifa expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the enormous task, thanking the committee for their constructive cooperation aiming to boost hotel services. Moreover, they agreed on the need to produce of a range of attractive promotional materials to support the private sector and highlight to citizens, residents, and visitors the cultural, historic, and modern landmarks within Bahrain. On their part, members of the committee extended sincere thanks to the Ministry of Culture for its interest in upgrading the quality of tourism services.
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BNA 0853 GMT 2013/07/16