BAHRAIN's tourism sector is set to get a major boost as an international travel group plans to promote the country on a global level.

Indian group Journey's World could also set up a training institute for Bahrainis in the tourism sector and will bring to the country its first double-decker buses.

It comes as it opens its Middle East headquarters in Manama today, said founder and chief executive officer Binu Kamattathi.

"Though we will offer all services a regular travel agency has, we will also focus on holidays," he said during a Press conference yesterday at Bangkok restaurant in Umm Al Hassam.

"A special bahrainjourneys.com portal is being set up to cater exclusively to those who wish to come to Bahrain for a few days or more.

"From tourists who want to spend weekends in Bahrain to those who wish to stay longer, or even those who want to break journey on their way to Europe and the US, we will have special offers.

"We have several packages already lined up and are talking to the relevant authorities to introduce special open top double-decker buses.

"This will be a first for Bahrain."

Mr Kamattathi revealed plans to set up an academy for tourism and hospitality management in Bahrain.

"We already have a training academy in India and we will co-ordinate with the government of Bahrain to try and set up a similar facility here to train Bahrainis in the sector," he said.

Portals

"This will be the outcome of our efforts to train a team of new tourism professionals to the changing requirements of the industry."

He also said the company will focus on special portals for cruise ships and those travelling on budgets as Bahrain has a lot of tourist potential.

"These are areas for which there is no exclusive portal yet," he explained.

"Those interested can visit the portal and organise their complete travel at the click of a mouse."

In Bahrain, the company has tied up with local group Sky International. mandeep@gdn.com.bh