BD3.7 million in hotel occupancy during Bahrain Grand Prix

, Apr. 17 (BNA): The Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa has extended his congratulations on the success of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. BTEA said that hotel revenues reached BD3.7 million during the Formula One weekend, with 12,000 hotel rooms booked during the event and total occupancy rate of five star hotels reaching up to 89%. "We are pleased with the positive results achieved by the tourism sector during the Formula One season. We hope that the coming F1 season brings further success; reflecting the Kingdom’s positive image internationally and contributing to the development of the local economy," Shaikh Khaled said. "Our strategy is focused on strengthening Bahrain's position as a destination that is able to host leading international events. Such events demonstrate Bahrain's potential and infrastructure where the investors’ confidence is firmly established, therefore the authority seeks to best serve these events." BTEA invited 25 representatives from its offices across the world to learn about the Kingdom, its thriving tourism industry and to help promote the importance of the Bahrain Grand Prix in attracting enthusiasts to the exciting sporting event. On the sidelines of the event, BTEA organised ‘Hurafuna’ Handicrafts Festival at Bab Al Bahrain. The festival, running until April 18, offers residents and visitors an opportunity to learn about the handicrafts of the Kingdom giving the local craftsmen a platform to sell their products and present them to the public.