Bahrain to host global tourism investment forum in January 2027

International

UN Tourism partnership will bring ministers, investors and financial institutions to Manama to discuss financing, projects and long-term tourism investment

Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum from 10 to 12 January 2027, bringing government representatives, investors, financial institutions and private-sector leaders together in Manama. The event is being organised in partnership with UN Tourism and will be held under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The forum will focus on the future direction of tourism investment, financing models and partnerships capable of delivering long-term economic and social returns. Bahrain will also use the event to present tourism projects and investment opportunities to an international audience.

Financing tourism growth in focus

The programme is designed to address one of the tourism industry's central challenges: translating destination development plans into projects capable of attracting financing and private investment.

Discussions will examine where capital is moving within tourism, how projects can be financed and how governments, financial institutions and private companies can cooperate. The forum will also provide a platform for direct exchanges between investors and decision-makers.

“Investment decides whether tourism grows in a way that creates jobs, builds resilience and lasts,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nuwais. “Our ambition is clear: to help turn tourism potential into investable projects that deliver lasting value.”

Bahrain targets international investors

For Bahrain, hosting the forum forms part of a wider effort to strengthen its position as a destination for tourism investment. The Kingdom plans to showcase its infrastructure, location and tourism portfolio alongside specific opportunities for international investors.

“This agreement is an important step in establishing Bahrain as a regional and international destination for tourism investment,” said Tourism Minister Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi. “The Forum will give investors and decision-makers a global platform to find new opportunities and build lasting partnerships.”

Agreement signed at Arabian Travel Market

Bahrain and UN Tourism formalised the partnership at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, where Al Sairafi and Al Nuwais signed the hosting agreement in the presence of tourism officials and industry representatives.

UN Tourism will contribute its international investment expertise and global network to the event. The cooperation is intended to support Bahrain in strengthening its tourism investment environment while connecting potential projects with international capital and business partners.