Manama, Jan. 9 (BNA): The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has expressed pride in the successive achievements attained by the kingdom in various fields thanks to the tremendous efforts exerted by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the support of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Speaking on behalf of BCCI, Chairman Khalid Abdulrahman Al Moayyad extended sincere congratulations to the leadership following the designation of Manama as Capital of GCC Tourism for 2016, noting that the achievement adds to the kingdom’s continuous successes over the past years, citing the choice of Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013 and Capital of Arab Culture in 2012, and the kingdom’s ranking first in the Middle East and 11th internationally in the Economic Freedom Index.

Such landmark accomplishments prove that the kingdom is on the right path of progress, and reflect the regional and global recognition of its prestigious reputation and sound policies, he said.

Al-Moayyad said that the choice of Manama as Capital of GCC Tourism in 2016 affirms the kingdom’s unique tourism potentials, crediting the kingdom’s leadership for the honourable achievements which, he said, has been attained thanks to the leaders’ constant interest in upgrading the infrastructure of the cultural and tourism sector in the country.

He called on the tourism community to take advantage of the event and be well-prepared for it in order to promote the kingdom’s status as a favourable destination for tourism and cultural events.

He also called for the need to avail of festivals and events hosted by the kingdom, including F 1 and the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS 2016) to boost economic activities.

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BNA 0925 GMT 2016/01/09