If you want to open a travel agency in Bahrain, you need to follow specific regulations, among which are registering a business and filing for a dedicated license. The procedures can be handled by our specialists, who can also guide you on a suitable legal form to incorporate.
Below, you can read more about company incorporation in Bahrain in terms of operating in the tourism sector.
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Legal forms under which you can operate a tourism business
The first and most important aspect to consider when setting up a travel agency in Bahrain is choosing a legal entity under which you will develop tourism activities. Here are your options:
- the sole proprietorship, a business form you can operate on your own, provided you obtain the travel agent license;
- the partnership, which is a great option if you are a foreign citizen seeking to have a local partner in your business;
- the private limited liability company, which is suitable if you want to offer various services.
We can help you set up a company in Bahrain under the form you choose. We can also offer recommendations in this sense, should you need them.
Obtaining the travel license in Bahrain
The most important stage when operating in the tourism sector is to obtain a travel agency license in Bahrain. For this purpose, the following documents must be prepared and filed with the Tourism and Exhibitions Authority:
- the passport, Bahraini residence permit of the owner (if he is a foreigner) if he will operate as a sole trader;
- passports or IDs of company directors, if the license is obtained by a company;
- the business plan;
- the company’s Registration Certificate (in the case of corporate entities);
- proof of using physical premises for the agency’s activities;
- a list with the services supplied.
Further on, our Bahraini company formation specialists will detail some of the requirements to be met when filing for the travel agency license.
Drafting a business plan when opening a travel agency in Bahrain
As you can read above, one of the requirements to launch a tourism agency in Bahrain implies creating a business plan. This document will be used to establish the goals of your business and make financial predictions. The plan must contain the following:
- the services the agency will provide;
- the markets it targets (local, international);
- the promotion of the business;
- details about the staff to be hired;
- information about partnerships with service suppliers (airlines, tourist locations, accommodation facilities).
Apart from these, the Tourism Authority will also ask for a 3-year financial projection.
Our local consultants can assist with the creation of the business and obtaining a travel agency license in Bahrain.
Physical location for a travel agency in Bahrain
An important aspect to consider when setting up a travel agency in Bahrain is the premises where it will operate. While there are no technical requirements to meet, such as size, you should consider choosing a place that:
- is located in a visible area to attract clients;
- is spacious enough to accommodate travel agents and clients;
- is branded accordingly.
Please note that for using the premises, local business permits and even inspections may be required. Our lawyers in Bahrain can offer more information about the legal side of these aspects.
Number of tourists expected to grow in the following years
According to recent information, in the following years, the tourism sector in Bahrain is expected to:
- generate USD 151.97 million in revenue by the end of 2025;
- grow at a 3.34% rate per year by 2029;
- reach a market volume of USD 173.33 million by 2029.
Apart from our company registration solutions for businesspersons, we are also at the service of individuals interested in immigration to Bahrain.
Feel free to contact us if you need assistance in opening a travel agency in Bahrain.