Bahrain launches sightseeing buses in tourism push

 Bahrain is set to launch official sightseeing bus tours as part of its plans to attract more tourists to the Gulf kingdom.

Atbahrain, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, said the buses are set start operating on February 1.

The branded “Atbahrain” buses, which will operate daily tours to top attractions and sights in the kingdom, will be staffed by licensed Bahraini tour guides, a statement said.

Atbahrain CEO Peter Cook said: “The introduction of daily sightseeing tours to Bahrain’s tourism scene is a major milestone towards elevating Bahrain’s tourism industry and building the infrastructure for sustainable touristic success.

"This service addresses a gap in the sector that exists today, whilst also making Bahrain more appealing as a leisure destination to tourists. These tours will be one of the best ways for visitors to the kingdom to get acquainted with all that this unique island has to offer and I am confident that they will be received well by the market.”

The air conditioned, luxury coaches will operate seven days a week, with three tours to choose from, including “Bahrain in a day”, “Explore the City of Manama” and “Friday Afternoon Escape”.
Cook added: “Our bilingual Bahraini tour guides have been trained to international standards and have a vast knowledge of the Kingdom, its history and culture.”

In December, Atbahrain appointed tourism sector veteran Cook as its new CEO.

Atbahrain said it is currently reaching out to leading tour operators in Europe, targeted Asian countries and the GGC markets in a bid to feature Bahrain as a holiday destination in their Middle East programmes.