Oman welcomed more than 3 million tourists last year into the sultanate, of which 1.4 million were GCC citizens, whilst almost 200,000 were cruise ship passengers, said a top official. This comes in line with the Oman Tourism Strategy to welcome 11 million tourists by 2040.

The Ministry of Tourism is placing a stronger emphasis on the recent surge in popularity that Oman has witnessed in order to help increase awareness and promote the country as a key tourism destination – throwing the spotlight on what makes the sultanate a diverse and rich destination at a series of global tourism events and travel fairs.

The number of hotels also grew by 12.3 per cent in 2017-18, resulting in a 7.8 per cent growth in the amount of rooms available in the country. The most resounding growth is the number of Khareef Salalah visitors, which was recorded at 28 per cent, said senior ministry officials on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) expo in Dubai.

Recent industry reports have projected a sustained annual increase in these figures as Oman’s reputation for hospitality, culture and heritage continues to grow, they added.

On the key achievements, Salem Bin Adey Al Mamari, the director general of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: "The recent growth of the tourism sector in the sultanate is very pleasing and is the direct result of sustained campaigns, initiatives and programs by the Ministry to raise the country’s profile and promote investment in the sector."

"These efforts fall in line with the Oman Tourism Strategy to welcome 11 million tourists by 2040," he added.

Al Mamari said: "The Ministry maintains key strategic partnerships within both the private and the public sector and this helps us to promote the tourism industry by introducing new and unique attractions, services and promotions."

"Our presence at global exhibitions like ATM demonstrates our commitment to showcase Oman throughout an array of international markets and position the Sultanate as a destination that can be visited at any time of the year, regardless of season. ATM is the global hub for the travel trade. The event will provide the perfect stage to showcase Oman, create further awareness and allow us to explore new strategic partnerships with public and private sector entities," he added.

According to him, a series of intensive campaigns, programmes and initiatives that the ministry has conducted to boost Oman’s regional and international profile have all contributed to the positive response and interest.

"The increase in visitors has also credited to the visa application process, which has been enhanced with the implementation of a new e-visa system that is among the safest in the world. Under the new platform, the entire process keeps pace with technical advancements through a simplified approach in obtaining visas. Furthermore, the strategic expansion and renovation of Muscat International Airport has increased capacity to accommodate the increase of visitors in the country," he added.

The Omani tourism officials had earlier revealed that 31 new hotels, motels and resorts were scheduled to open this year, thus boosting the hospitality sector’s portfolio with more than 3,260 rooms.

Already a total of 595 apartments, 13 green lodges, 18 guest houses and 2 Heritage House projects are currently in development stage.

Furthermore, leading hotel brand JW Marriott has announced that it is set to open maiden establishment in Oman in the third quarter of 2019. The 304-room five-star hotel, which is being built by the Oman Tourism Development Company, is strategically located besides the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, they added.

There will be 21 entities in total from the Sultanate participating at this year’s ATM, including The Sama Resort and Spa, Khimji’s House of Travel, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Grand Hyatt Muscat, Aitken Spence Resorts ME LLC, Millennium Resort –Mussanah, Outdoor Adventure Tourism, The Chedi Muscat, Kempinski Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Six senses Zighy- Bay resorts. In addition, Al Bustan Palace, InterContinental IHG, Bahawan Tourism LLC, Shanfari Hotels & Resorts, Al Fawaz Tours, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Hormuz Grand, Muscat Hills Resort, Oman Air, Salam Air, Dhofar Municipality and the Alila Al Jabal Akhdar Resort will also all feature prominently throughout the event.

During the expo, the ministry will target a variety of segments such as adventure tourism, cultural tourism, family tourism and business and corporate tourism.

With the increase in tourism market-based representatives, the ministry also aims to increase direct flights to and from Oman in the near future and diversify tourism offerings to include leisure, travel and MICE segments.-TradeArabia News Service

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