American Express sponsors Bahraini student academic visit to France

Ms. Mohamed is conducting the trip in order to learn more about the ways in which France promotes its cultural highlights. The visit is part of a study about how to effectively leverage cultural locations.

Mr. Waheed Zainal, Senior Regional Employee Counselor - American Express Middle East and North Africa, said, "American Express is keen to take an active role in encouraging the next generation of professionals. Travel and tourism is an industry that American Express has always been strongly involved in and supporting cultural enthusiasts such as Mai will support young, educated professionals to promote the industry."

Tourism is a growing industry in the Middle East region and there is a growing need for educated young professionals to help promote the industry.

Bahrain airport saw a 20 per cent rise in the number of passengers reaching seven million last year, up from 5.7million in 2005. The country experienced the highest tourism growth in the GCC, with tourist arrivals soaring 30 per cent between 2005 and 2006 , and the occupancy rate of Bahrain's five-star hotels increased by 20 percent over 2005 . The government is currently spending BD126 million on an airport expansion programme , and numerous new five-, three- and two-star hotels are due to open in 2008-2009.