Tourism in Bahrain, once one of the attractions and major industries of this business-friendly Middle East hub, has seen a major hit since eight people were killed and hundreds injured in confrontations between protesters and the military.

Bahrain is known as a playground for Saudi tourists, who come to the city to enjoy a more liberal nightlife and shopping malls.

The recent violence, however, has left malls empty and nightclub parking lots free of the once-ubiquitous Saudi license plates.

On Monday, organizers of the country’s Bahrain Grand Prix announced that the event would be canceled. Bahrain is one of only two countries in the region that hold Formula One races.

The race is a huge draw for tourism, bringing in dollars from spectators and worldwide television exposure.

Now many of those hotels, some near Pearl Square, the focal point of the biggest demonstrations, stand empty.

Bahrain’s hotel industry has taken the most severe hit from the protests. The hotel industry in Bahrain depends on yearly events like the Grand Prix as well as business conferences to keep rooms full.

Since the protests started, at least one conference has been moved to Dubai. Analysts estimate that it may take up to a year for the country to spring back.

By Adriana Padilla at PeterGreenberg.com.

Related Links: New York Times, Reuters

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