The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) recently hosted a familiarisation trip for four leading wedding planners from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 9.

The initiative is part of efforts to further strengthen the kingdom's position as an ideal destination for weddings and celebrations.

BTEA also arranged for meetings between the wedding planners and a number of Bahraini vendors and organisations, such as leading five- and four-star hotels, Bahraini wedding planners and organisers, destination management companies and other accommodation venues. A representative of BTEA’s Saudi office also attended the meetings along with the delegation.

In addition, a tour of the kingdom was organised for the delegations which featured visits to a selection of the kingdom’s luxury hotels and venues including Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, Al Areen Resort, Wyndham Grand Hotel, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Hotel, The Orangery and La Fontaine.

The delegation also visited the Sea Festival, one of the most-anticipated festivals organised by the BTEA, which celebrates the kingdom’s historical ties to the sea, seeking to educate visitors and tourists on the kingdom’s sea history.

“By organising regular meetings with wedding planners from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, we aim to increase the number of wedding ceremonies being held in the Kingdom, further positioning Bahrain as an ideal destination for weddings and celebrations,” said acting director of Marketing and Tourism Promotion Directorate at BTEA, Dr Ali Follad.

“Hosting this familiarisation trip provided us with the opportunity to promote a wide range of wedding services and event planners we have to offer, as well as showcase unique venues, international luxury hotel chains and boutique offerings. This further positions the kingdom as a prime wedding destination under the umbrella of “Island Wedding” thereby increasing the wedding sector’s contribution to the national economy in line with the Economic Vision 2030,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service