INTERNATIONAL Air Transport Association (IATA) data for the year ending June 2011 is good news for Oman with total passenger arrivals to Muscat International Airport increasing to 2.23 million, up 15 per cent on 2010.
According to Oman’s Tourism Ministry, the data confirms a rebound in travel to Oman despite adverse travel advisory advice which dampened demand in the first quarter of the year.
Minister Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili said: “Travel to Oman has rebounded strongly with most of Oman’s key tourism source markets recording remarkable year-on-year growth.
“This data also highlights the positive impact of Oman Air’s services to our larger volume markets such as France, Germany and the UAE. Arrivals from France and Germany continue to increase since the start of non-stop services in late 2009. We expect similar positive outcomes from Oman Air services to Zurich in October and Moscow in November.”
The ministry is expecting 2011 will be a record year for tourism activity based on forward bookings, increased air services, including air charters to Salalah, and an increase in cruise ship arrivals next season.
Additionally, new developments such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and new resorts and hotels across Oman are expected to attract new business to the sultanate.
The Royal Opera House Muscat is to open this month with a world-class season of performances and the Ministry of Tourism will host the 3rd Global Geotourism Conference in Muscat from October 30 to November 1, 2011.