Extraordinary low rates within latest weeks have become a real problem of hotels in Bahrain. The reasons for such situation are in problems in political life of the country causing political unrest and the cancellation of Formula One motor race. After this multiple long-staying expatriates involved into the project left the country, causing even worse occupation rates.
The results of such decrease are truly dramatic for Bahrain. The country has been recently called the second most popular destination of the Middle East in the report of the World Economic Forum. New information is very pessimistic – CB Richard Ellis reveals occupancy rates around 5-10% in Bahrain hotels. The Formula One opening was scheduled for March and so many hoteliers were rushing to open their accommodations in Bahrain before that date. After the cancellation multiple projects have been delayed and may open only in autumn 2011.
In February 2011 the occupancy rates temporarily went up and reached 61%. The cause of this was in the arrival of GCC nations that helped to calm down the unrest in the country. Despite this instability and unknown economic situation the government of the country forecasts the growth of 4.5% in 2011. Currently local banks try to help small to medium companies of the country, offering them loans on very beneficial conditions.