The New York-based Foundation for Ethnic Understanding on Wednesday announced the launch of the first North American-Jewish tourism initiative to Bahrain. According to a report by the Israel National News website, the program is part of a FFEU partnership with Best of Bahrain and Da'at Travel, which will facilitate the itineraries for large groups and individual travelers.
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The new initiative is spearheaded by FFEU President Rabbi Marc Schneier and follows an invitation from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to bring more Jewish tourists to the Gulf sheikdom in the wake of the normalization with Israel.
According to the report, Bahrain is interested in attracting Jewish tourism, especially after one of its top hotels – the Ritz Carlton – announced it will be offering kosher food. Other hotels are expected to follow suit.
According to the report, Best of Bahrain, the kingdom's premier destination management company, will facilitate the travel arrangements for Jewish travelers. Da'at Travel, which according to its website "provides top-level educational tours to Israel and around the Jewish world," will focus on bringing Jewish organizations, federations and synagogues across North America to visit Bahrain.
"This initiative is one of many that seeks to promote Bahrain as a unique destination and one which caters to all diverse communities from across the world," said Bahraini Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid al-Zayani.
"As a center of peaceful coexistence with a rich history, heritage and tourism landscape this tourism initiative will provide a memorable experience to all who visit and will open new horizons for Jewish tourists looking for a new and exciting destination."
"During a meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, he asked me to spearhead an initiative to introduce the Kingdom of Bahrain as a destination to the North American Jewish community," FFEU President Rabbi Marc Schneier told INN. "We're bringing together the leading travel companies in order to create customizable Jewish tourism experiences to Bahrain."
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