Bahraini authorities are marketing the country as a top tourist destination Manama - Arabstoday   Bahraini Minister of Culture, Shaikha Mariam bin Mohammed al-Khalifa, has announced an integrated four-seasons' plan to promote Manama as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2013. The Minister told al-Ayam newspaper about her willingness to make the four seasons harmonious with activities and events hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain, such as the Spring of Culture, Formula One Motorsport Championship and Bahrain Summer Festival.
She revealed that last year, HRH Prince Sultan bin Saud, President of the Arab Tourism Organisation, visited Bahrain to launch Manama as the Capital of Arab Tourism, and by the end of this month, the country will officially launch its bid.
"We have also met Russian experts in Moscow in order to utilise the Tylos Show in portraying the Kingdom of Bahrain's urbane image, without forgetting that there are overseas tourists who visit this part of the world as well as our GCC compatriots, asserting that anyone who would like to visit Dubai can also visit Bahrain on a 45-minute flight in order to enjoy unique ancient, cultural, touristic and archaeological sightseeing in our country."
The Minister of Culture announced that Arab Tourism Organisation would open its headquarters in Bab-el-Bahrain in March. She thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Arab Tourism Organisation, who have suggested the establishing of the tourism infrastructure projects.
The IDB has earmarked $796 million, a part of which will be allocated to the Pearls Path and Bab el-Bahrain project pending a final official approval from the Bahrain.

Source: BNA