BAHRAIN is set to drastically reduce port fees for cruise vessels in the hope of rescuing the country's upcoming tourism season.

Sources said the decision - taken to offset massive insurance premiums - was finalised during a board meeting of the General Organisation of Ports (GOP) at its headquarters in Hidd.

Authorities may also reduce other charges to ensure the upcoming cruise season goes ahead in October as ships dock at the Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP), they added.

Industry officials earlier warned the season could be in jeopardy after insurance companies said they would charge at least $ 15,000 (BD5,675) extra for every vessel that berths in the country - adding costs of up to $ 300,000 (BD113,129) for operators.

"We have taken a decision to reduce the fee substantially," said a GOP source.

"We are sure with the announcement, we will make cruise vessels coming to Bahrain even more attractive then before."

Details of the slashed fees are due to be officially revealed today.

"The GOP and all other stakeholders are keen the cruise season goes ahead after it was abruptly suspended last year in the wake of the unrest," said the source.

"We are all working towards a common goal, be it the Culture Ministry, the tour operators, taxi drivers and tour guides."

The source said GOP was working with the concerned authorities to ensure the success of the cruise season, which runs for six months.

Bahrain's authorities earlier said they were hoping to have a full cruise season, given the fact last one was scrapped half way through because of the unrest.

Only 29 of the scheduled 50 port calls by various liners were made in Bahrain after the season was abruptly suspended, resulting in a loss of nearly 50,000 tourists.

None of the large cruise liners that were due to make at least three calls a week docked following the outbreak of clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in mid-February last year.

Tour operators said the cancellations meant losses of at least $ 5 million (BD1.9m) in tourist spending alone. According to estimates, each cruise ship tourist spends at least $ 125 (BD47) during visits to Bahrain, which brings in around $ 300,000 (BD113,400) to the economy. mandeep@gdn.com.bh