Manama Souq was earmarked to become the main tourist attraction in Bahrain for the year 2015 in order to promote family tourism this year, however disbandment of culture ministry has cast doubts on this vision.

                                                                 Mr. Al Namliti

As Bahrain focuses on improving family tourism to the Kingdom, the traditional markets were touted as the main tourist attraction. However, the disbandment of Culture Ministry has brought uncertainty about the development of the souqs, said Manama Traditional Market Committee Deputy Chairman Mahmood Al Namliti. “The development efforts in the souqs have stalled following the disbandment. There is not a proper official authority at this moment. So it has become difficult for us to follow up on the projects pertaining to the souq. At the moment, we are in the dark” he said.

“There are many issues that need urgent attention. For example, there are o

nly two good coffee shops in the Manama souq at the moment, and this is not acceptable. If you look at the markets in other parts in Bahrain you will find that there are many coffee shops. This is the capital city; this is where tourists are inclined to come so it is important to have this area in top shape. This year we wanted to transform the souq into the finest tourist attractions, but for this the tourism and culture authority has to be finalized,” he added.

The view of Manama Souq.

Last month Parliamentarians had urged the government to form a responsible body for Culture and tourism. The lawmakers stated that without a designated body, they could not scrutinize work being done for the tourism sector. MP Mohammed Al Marifee said that it is essential to take a quick decision regarding the tourism sector considering that the sector had endured some hard times recently because of the entertainment ban. Information Affairs Minister Isa Al Hammadi had stated that a government body would soon be tasked with the responsibility of the tourism sector.

Mohammed Zafran

news@dt.bh