Bahrain to Strengthen National Role in Tourism Guiding Sector

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Citizens now lead the Kingdom’s tour guiding sector, as Bahrain moves closer to introducing stricter regulations aimed at tightening oversight and formalising industry standards.

According to a response to a parliamentary question submitted by MP Dr. Mahdi Abdulaziz Al Shuwaikh, the Ministry of Tourism confirmed that Bahrain has 74 licensed tour guides. Of these, 53 are Bahrainis making up around 72 per cent of the total workforce.

The figures highlight a growing emphasis on developing local talent within a profession that plays a key role in shaping how visitors experience Bahrain’s culture, heritage, and landmarks.

The Ministry of Tourism stated that travel and tourism agencies are required to contract licensed guides when organising tours, ensuring that tourists receive accurate and professional interpretations of the Kingdom’s historical and cultural sites.

Decision

Additionally, authorities revealed that a draft regulatory decision, prepared in coordination with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority will prohibit tourism establishments from working with unlicensed guides, signalling a significant tightening of industry enforcement.

Officials said tour guiding remains a central pillar of Bahrain’s tourism strategy for 2022–2026, particularly in heritage and cultural tourism, where qualified guides are seen as essential in delivering authentic visitor experiences.

The evolving policy reflects Bahrain’s wider ambition to strengthen its position as a regional tourism destination while ensuring that the national narrative is presented through trained and locally rooted voices.