Manama Secures Top Global Business Travel Accolade
Manama, the vibrant capital of Bahrain, has been officially named the World's Leading Business Travel Destination at the esteemed World Travel Awards Grand Final 2025. The announcement was made during a glittering ceremony held on December 6, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Exhibition World Bahrain, marking a significant milestone for the Kingdom's tourism sector.
The event, which brought together over 300 industry leaders and tourism professionals from around the globe, underscored Bahrain's successful efforts in solidifying its position on the international tourism map.
Bahrain's Strategic Vision for Tourism
This prestigious recognition is a direct reflection of Bahrain's ambitious 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy, which has prioritized enhancing the Kingdom's infrastructure and developing its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The strategy aims to diversify Bahrain's economic portfolio and establish it as a premier global hub for both business and leisure tourism.
Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), emphasized that Manama's award reflects BTEA's dedicated work to strengthen Bahrain's presence in the MICE market. She stated that these achievements 'demonstrate the strength of Bahrain's tourism ecosystem in collaboration with its partners.'
Exhibition World Bahrain and Other Local Triumphs
The host venue, Exhibition World Bahrain, also garnered significant accolades at the Grand Final, securing four prestigious awards. These included:
- Bahrain's Best Convention Centre
- Middle East's Best MICE Event Venue
- World's Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue
- World's Leading MICE Event Venue
Additionally, Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier, was honored for its 'Outstanding Contribution to the Airline Industry,' recognizing its vital role in enhancing the Kingdom's air connectivity. Several Bahraini hotels and resorts also received international recognition, showcasing the diversity and high standards of the Kingdom's hospitality sector.
Global Recognition and Future Outlook
The World Travel Awards, launched in 1993, serve as a prestigious international benchmark for excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, commended Bahrain for hosting the ceremony, noting that 'Bahrain delivered a memorable setting for this year's Grand Final.' He added that the event brought together 'leading names from across the global travel industry.'
Bahrain's successful hosting of the 2025 Grand Final and its impressive collection of awards across aviation, hospitality, and business travel confirm its established position as a preferred global destination for tourism, business, and major international events. The Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure and strategic partnerships, aiming to attract a diverse range of travelers and further solidify its role as a leading global tourism destination.
5 Comments
Donatello
Business travel isn't the only kind of tourism. What about local culture?
Leonardo
While it's great for Bahrain to receive international recognition and boost its MICE sector, I hope they also focus on sustainable tourism practices for the long term.
Michelangelo
Gulf Air and Exhibition World Bahrain also winning? A clean sweep for excellence!
Donatello
Rapid development often comes with environmental costs. Is anyone considering that?
Raphael
Another award, but does it truly benefit the average citizen or just big corporations?