MANAMA, Jul 15 (GDN): Bahrain's luxury hotels are spearheading a drive to boost local tourism.

They plan to slash room rates to BD45 per night during the summer season - an initiative praised by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

The five-star hotels' executive committee launches the summer promotional package from today until August 30.

However, customers will still have to pay an additional fee of 20 per cent to cover room and municipal services.

Bahrainis and expatriates will be required to produce their identity documents to benefit from the plan.

The incentive package is part of an effort to promote internal tourism and attract families to spend their holidays in Bahrain.

It also aims at boosting the capacity of Bahrain's luxury hotels to compete with promotional rate packages being offered abroad.

The BCCI hailed the initiative by the luxury hotels to promote local tourism. It has also called on the four-star hotels to follow suit and launch similar packages.