Russia MICE travel agencies were recently hosted by Gulf Air in a four day visit to showcase Bahrain’s notable tourist attractions. Executives of the airline held a kind of visitor summit to discuss agent roles in evangelizing Bahrain offerings.
According to the news, Gulf Air CEO Maher Salman AlMusallam, along with the company’s chief commercial officer, Ahmed Janahi talked with reporters on the roles travel agents play in critical partnerships. With a focus on the national carrier of the kingdom, the meet-up was also a brainstorming session for Russian tourism execs to provide feedback on broad visitor needs and preferences.
Gulf Air’s direct Moscow link has seen steady growth, according to the news, and a new Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) with Russian carrier S7 Airlines promises even more potential. Gulf Air’s direct four weekly flights to Moscow Domodedovo Airport so far operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Tensions in between many countries in the region, the west vs. east crises of late, have all played a role in drying up tourism for many Middle Eastern countries. With the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosting the 2016 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Gran Prix this weekend, it’s a certainty attendance numbers will affect greatly the future path of the kingdom’s hospitality and tourism strategies.