Manama, Fatima Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism, presided over the Board of Directors meeting of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, in the presence Sarah Buhijji, the CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA), alongside several managers and staff members from the Authority, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gulf Air, Mumtalakat Company, the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tour Agents, and representatives from the tourism sector. The minister expressed thanks to all stakeholders in the public and private sectors who contribute directly or indirectly to the advancement and prosperity of the tourism sector and emphasised its role in enhancing the GDP and creating more employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens. She highlighted that the tourism strategy of Bahrain for the years (2026-2022) constitutes a comprehensive national plan encompassing the whole of the kingdom. The minister underlined the key statistics and accomplishments of the tourism sector, emphasising th e strides made in aligning with the overarching goals and pillars outlined in Bahrain's tourism strategy for the years (2026-2022). She discussed the significant tourism initiatives launched in the first quarter of the current year and their positive impact on the national economy and commended the efforts of the authority in promoting these initiatives and integrating them into its marketing campaigns. This is in addition to underscoring the imperative of intensifying these efforts to achieve further successes, thereby enhancing Bahrain's tourism standing, and strengthening relations with local tourists and coordination with relevant government entities. During the meeting, the Board of Directors of BTEA received a comprehensive overview from Sarah Buhijji regarding the array of initiatives launched in the first quarter of 2024, and the forthcoming implementation of tourism and entertainment events, programs, and offers scheduled for the second quarter of the year. Future strategies aimed at bolstering pa rtnerships and political collaboration with private sector entities were also discussed, alongside plans to develop marketing campaigns targeted at international tourist offices to attract more visitors. Buhijji discussed the advancements of the Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School and the collaborative efforts to enhance and promote the institution as a premier educational establishment offering exceptional higher education in hospitality and tourism in Bahrain, in line with global industry advancements. The significance of creating national talents equipped with internationally recognised skills to bolster the tourism sector was emphasized, in addition to the pivotal role of the higher education sector as a key partner in the ministry's endeavors to cultivate and equip the national workforce with essential expertise and knowledge in the fields of science and tourism. Updates on the operational plan of the Exhibition World Bahrain were provided, noting the ongoing progress in strengthening the center 's infrastructure and investment initiatives aimed at attracting more international exhibitions and events. This is in addition to discussing updates on work plans for various tourist, hotel, and entertainment facilities, and the commitment to providing all necessary facilities to ensure the success of these endeavors. Source: Bahrain News Agency