Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF) from Jan 10 to 12, 2027, in partnership with UN Tourism, the agency said in a press release on Sept 18.

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's crown prince and prime minister, will serve as the event's patron. UN Tourism said the forum will take place in Manama.

Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi and UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nuwais signed the hosting agreement at the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, in the presence of officials and tourism sector representatives, according to the release.

The forum will bring together ministers, investors, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders. Discussions will focus on where tourism investment is heading, how projects are financed, and how to build partnerships that deliver long-term economic and social returns. The programme will also showcase Bahrain's tourism projects and investment opportunities to international investors.

Al Sairafi described the agreement as an important step in positioning Bahrain as a regional and international destination for tourism investment. She said the forum would give investors and decision-makers a global platform to find opportunities and build partnerships and would showcase Bahrain's investment environment, infrastructure, strategic location, and tourism offer.

Al Nuwais said investment determines whether tourism growth creates jobs, builds resilience, and lasts. She said UN Tourism would bring its investment expertise and global network to Manama, aiming to help "turn tourism potential into investable projects that deliver lasting value."

UN Tourism said the agreement reflects Bahrain's commitment to international cooperation in tourism, drawing on the agency's expertise to strengthen the kingdom's investment environment and the competitiveness of its tourism sector.

Source: UN Tourism