Gulf Air flies higher with Bahrain Expo Authority

Date: 1 July 2008

Contact : Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Acting CEO

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA)

T.: 17558813; @ : debbie@bahrainexhibitions.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANAMA - Gulf Air and Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) today

announced that Gulf Air will be the official carrier for all events organised by BECA in

Bahrain and abroad.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Naf

said that the airline and BECA have 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," said Mr. Naf. "Our alliance with

BECA will surely have significant and positive impact on this initiative."

Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen, BECA's Acting Chief Executive Officer, said that she was

delighted with the partnership with Gulf Air. “Bahrain has already established itself as a

leading financial centre in the Middle East and a major destination for conferences and

exhibitions. 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.”

Gulf Air’s partnership with BECA is 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,”

reiterated Mr. Naf.

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. ENDS

Caption for attached photo : Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen and Mr. Naf with BECA and Gulf Air staff at the

signing ceremony held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

About Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) :

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) is the country’s flagship organisation dedicated to delivering quality

business-to-business events aimed at promoting Bahrain as a preferred business tourism destination. It functions

under the directive of its Board of Directors with H.E. Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce, as

Chairman of the Board.

BECA maintains a strategic partnership with key industry stakeholders such as Tourism Affairs, the Bahrain

International Circuit, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Gulf Air and the hospitality sector and administers

the operations of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC), the largest, pillar-free trade

show and exhibition centre in the country.