29 September 2015
Celebrating World Tourism Day, the World Heritage Regional Centre and Culture Authority Launch the Cultural Tourism Passport
Bahrain is a gorgeous country brimming with fabulous ancient historical sites reminiscent of the fabled Garden of Eden. The Culture & Archaeology Authority, in celebration of World Tourism Day and in close cooperation with the UNESCO World Heritage Regional Center, launched the ‘Cultural Tourism Passport’. The ceremony was attended by many diplomats, journalists, and intellectuals on 29 September 2015. The guide-like document features a map detailing 21 of the country’s most iconic and historical landmarks, monuments, and cultural sites, which passport holders can “tick off” by receiving a Dilmun seal stamp from staff at each of the attractions.
Those who visit all of the sites will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a trip to a “key Arab and international tourism destination”, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) President H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa said during a launch event held at the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage last night. Similar to a passport, the holders will have to fill in their personal details, nationality, and CPR number if applicable. Officials have printed more than 5,000 cultural passports that will be distributed from next week across the 21 tourist sites. After visiting all the locations, passport holders have until November 30 to submit their completed document to Bahrain National Museum. The names of the 21 winners will then be announced by BACA on Bahrain’s National Day, which falls on December 16.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E said “This initiative aims to promote Bahrain’s heritage and civilization among citizens, foreigners and tourists,” adding that, “It is bringing into the spotlight Bahrain’s identity and our emphasis on cultural tourism”. H.E pointed to the importance of entertainment and cultural tourism, “We want to offer Bahrainis and residents the opportunity to enjoy a memorable ancient history sites’ discovery journey.”
Dr. Bouchenaki, the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage director, said that the cultural passport was launched to coincide with World Tourism Day – marked globally every September 27. “We are educating the younger generation of the rich cultural sites in Bahrain and also encouraging tourists to know about the hidden gems in the country,” he said. “It is not only about high rise buildings, there is much more beyond it that Bahrain has to offer for visitors and residents that is all mentioned in this cultural passport.”
The scheme is open to anyone aged 18 and over and the 21 sites are Bahrain National Museum, Bu Maher Fort and Visitor Centre, Bahrain National Theatre, Bahrain Fort, Bahrain Fort Site Museum, Riffa Fort, the Tree of Life and Visitor Centre, Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Centre for Culture and Research, Bab Al Bahrain and Visitor Centre, Al Hedaya Al Khalifia School, A’ali burial mounds, Saar settlement, Bait Al Quran, Mohammed bin Fares Hall, Al Qaysariya Suq, Ibrahim Al Arrayed House of Poetry, Khalaf House, Khamis Mosque, Barbar Temple, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa House and Bin Matar House.
