Ministry to discuss updates of USD 1.8 billion Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre project

Oman's Ministry of Tourism will give a special presentation of the latest tourism developments in the Sultanate as part of its participation at the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition from 25-27 March 25 at Abu Dhabi. Senior officials of the Oman Ministry of Tourism will also be attending several pre-arranged meetings with various MICE travel suppliers and other key industry players during the event.

The major hospitality developments in Oman that will be showcased include the Holiday Inn As Seeb, the Swiss-BelHotel in Muscat, Crowne Plaza in Duqm, Radisson Blu in Sohar and the proposed Missoni Jebel Sifah among others. The Ministry will particularly focus on Oman's growing reputation as a popular business tourism destination with its aggressive development of various meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE)  amenities, including the USD 1.8 billion Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre that is set to open in 2017.

Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of Tourism Events at the Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: "GIBTM has always been an important platform that complements the Ministry's continuing efforts to promote Oman as an ideal destination for business and leisure tourism. The success of our participation at GIBTM 2013 will set the pace for the rest of the initiatives and activities that we have lined up for the year. We are looking forward to showcasing the Sultanate's world-class meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions amenities at the GIBTM, in addition to Oman's unique array of leisure, cultural, historical attractions."

GIBTM 2013 will gather professionals from the MICE industry in the Middle East, including regional and international industry buyers and suppliers. The trade show has been recognised as a driving force behind the development of the professional MICE industry across the region.

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Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman
Oman's Ministry of Tourism (formed June 2004) is the Sultanate's lead agency for tourism planning, industry development and marketing. Tourism is recognized as a major opportunity in the Sultanate's economic diversification with the sector generating over 3% of GDP in 2012.

Oman's tourism strategy showcases cultural heritage and natural diversity to selected market segments. Oman's cultural heritage includes World Heritage Listed Sites while its natural diversity extends to hosting a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as distinct environments ranging from coral reefs to high mountains, expansive deserts and sub-tropical landscapes - a unique concentration in the region.

2017 will see the official opening of Oman's world-class Convention and  Exhibition Centre, a 3,000 seat facility with four hotels totaling 1,000 rooms, a nationally significant development that will allow Oman to host international business events and conferences. This adds to a large portfolio of recently opened resorts and hotels. In late 2014, resorts at Khasab and Jabal Al Akhdar (Oman's Green Mountain) are due to open.

Additionally, the Ministry manages a large portfolio of restored forts and castles, many of which are major regional attractions with quality museum collections. The Ministry champions the Sultanate of Oman's Brand Mark using the Brand call: Beauty has an address. Representative offices (United Kingdom, Germany/Scandinavia, France, Italy, The Netherlands, GCC, India and Australia/New Zealand) manage market-specific trade, media and consumer campaigns. The Ministry provides advice and guidance to a wide range of events and festivals. The Ministry's web site is www.omantourism.gov.om.

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© Press Release 2013