The Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) announced this week that Gulf Air will be the official carrier for all the events it organises in Bahrain and abroad.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Gulf Air chief executive Bjorn Naf explain that the airline and BECA had entered into a strategic alliance aimed at boosting the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for corporate meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions.

"As the only national carrier of the Kingdom, we are constantly looking at ways to promote Bahrain to the world and bring the world to the kingdom," he said. "Our alliance with BECA will surely have significant and positive impact on this initiative."

Meanwhile, BECA's acting chief executive, Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, said she was delighted with the partnership. “Bahrain has already established itself as a leading financial centre in the Middle East and a major destination for conferences and exhibitions,” she added. “This strategic alliance is an effective mechanism for Bahrain to gain access to more markets as BECA and Gulf Air are dedicated to the highest standards in all areas of our operations.”




Dealmakers: Stanford-Kristiansen and Naf at the signing ceremony held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Naf was also keen to stress that Gulf Air’s partnership with BECA was a natural one. “Being the national carrier, one of the main aims of Gulf Air is to enhance Bahrain’s image globally and we are constantly looking for ways to promote the Kingdom as a leading business and leisure destination,” he said. “Under the terms of the agreement, BECA and Gulf Air will initiate direct marketing and online activities, event sponsorships and customer programmes that will see both organisations delivering additional special customer care benefits to their respective clientele.”