New Pact Targets Russian Tourists

TDT| Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

BTEA signs MoU with Aeroklub

Bahrain has taken a fresh step in cementing its international tourism reach, signing a strategic memorandum of understanding with Russia’s Aeroklub Group during the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where the Kingdom was honoured as Guest of Honour.

The agreement, signed by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) CEO Sarah Ahmed Buhijji and Aeroklub Chairman Denis Matyukhin, is expected to boost tourism cooperation, air travel connectivity, and joint promotion campaigns between the two nations, laying the groundwork for Bahrain to attract more visitors from the growing Russian travel market.

SPIEF stage presence

The deal was formalised on the sidelines of SPIEF 2025, held from June 18 to 21. With Bahrain in the diplomatic spotlight as Guest of Honour, the MoU was one of several key agreements underscoring the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions and deepening bilateral relations with Russia.

According to BTEA, the agreement covers areas such as tourism promotion, exchange of industry expertise, development of business tourism incentives, technology collaboration, and joint activations across culture, exhibitions, and hospitality.

Tied to strategy

Buhijji said the partnership directly supports Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026, which aims to enhance international collaboration and raise tourism’s contribution to GDP. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding business ties with Russia while offering visitors a higher quality, more connected tourism experience,” she noted.

The MoU is also expected to open new channels for collaboration on sustainability and investment in travel technology, aligning with both nations’ goals to modernise their tourism infrastructure.

Russia focus expands

Bahrain has already begun building momentum with Russian travellers, with Gulf Air operating seasonal charter services and growing demand for halal-certified offerings in Russian cities like Sochi, Kazan, and Moscow. Tourism officials view the Aeroklub partnership as a platform to tailor Bahrain’s appeal to this market and broaden its international reach.

As the global tourism landscape continues to shift, Bahrain is positioning itself not just as a destination, but as a partner in designing the next chapter of regional tourism diplomacy.