A Bahrain MP has proposed increasing a 'tourism tax' imposed on top hotels to generate extra income for heritage projects.

The proposal was voiced by Ali Al Aswad during a Press conference at parliament yesterday and followed talks with Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa on spending plans for the next two years.

'The ministry just takes BD8,000 in tourist fees from five-star hotels and this is low compared with what could be earned,' said the member of parliament's financial and economic affairs committee.

Shaikha Mai told MPs that the ministry depended on donations and sponsorship to pay for its projects, but it is getting BD8.722 million for this year and BD19.6 million for next year in the national budget.

'They will spend BD200,000 on historical buildings' maintenance in both years, BD20m on the national theatre and promotional and marketing for cultural schemes this year and next year,' added MP Dr Jassim Hussain, who is also a committee member.

'The ministry is also planning to spend BD8 million on the Pearl Route in Muharraq over two years in addition to preserving vital historical sites.'

Meanwhile, MP Latifa Al Gaoud congratulated the ministry on managing to fund its projects with money it raised.

'The ministry has managed to get BD17 million from the private sector for its projects, with BD10.7 million being collected for the new Pearl Route project, and just BD6.5 million being spent from the ministry's budget,' she said.

Al Gaoud also revealed the ministry's plans to get more Bahrainis involved in cultural work and the training and employment of new staff.-TradeArabia News Service