Opening of new hotels ‘not affecting occupancy rates’

The hospitality sector has been able to maintain the occupancy rates in recent years despite the impressive increase in number of new hotels in Bahrain, it was revealed. Six new hotels and with it 1,400 rooms were opened during the 2017-2018 period, yet the overall occupancy rate in the sector remained the same, according to Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Exhibitions.

“From 2017 to 2018, 1,400 rooms entered the market due to the opening of six hotels which is an increase of 10 per cent,” he said. “Interestingly, even with a 10pc increase, we were able to maintain the occupancy rate. Furthermore, five-star hotels in 2018 saw an increase of one percent in occupancy rate when compared to 2017. In four star hotels, we were able to maintain the occupancy rate.”