Oman pulling in more international tourists

THE Sultanate of Oman’s tourist attractions are gaining popularity with foreign visitors, as evidenced by an 11.5 per cent increase in tourist arrival numbers during the first half of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

The Sultanate’s rich heritage, desert, rugged coast and beaches, varied water sports and diving activities are among its major tourist draws. Oman’s touristic appeal can also be attributed to its enormous forts, green valleys and old-world bazaars.   

RISING POPULARITY

The country ranked 20th in The New York Times ‘52 places to go in 2015’ feature. British daily The Telegraph recognised the city of Khasab as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful ports. Meanwhile, Nizwa landed fifth on the Top 10 Cities list of Rough Guides, the leading publisher of travel and reference guides. Dating back to the 14th Century, Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman, and was once the capital for a long period of time.

Her Excellency, Maitha Bint Saif al Mahrouqy, undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism in Oman, said: “The Sultanate is now becoming the top choice for regional and international travellers who are looking to experience the modern aspects of the Arab world while, at the same time, wanting to immerse in its rich cultural heritage and traditions.

“Ever since the ministry ramped up its strategic and comprehensive tourism campaigns, we have been witnessing an increase in interests on the destination from our key markets. The dramatic growth is not the achievement of the ministry alone, though. It is the result of collective efforts by all concerned organisations who believe in the beauty of the country and what it can offer to the global tourism stage. Furthermore, our intensified initiatives are aligned with the government’s recognition of tourism’s prominent role in job creation, heritage conservation and overall socio-economic development.”

ATM PARTICIPATION

Exhibitors from the Sultanate at Arabian Travel Market 2015, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 4 to 7, include the Oman Ministry of Tourism, which is participating with a 280 sq m stand and Oman Air taking more than 82 sq m of space.

With more than $3.3 billion worth of high profile tourism projects currently under development in the Sultanate, the country is rapidly expanding its existing tourism offering with luxury brand leaders set to make their hospitality debut and a number of important tourism and cultural projects also nearing completion.

Of the top 10 projects currently under development in the country, which have a total investment value of just over $3.3 billion, luxury hospitality is a major focus with Westin, St Regis and W all taking shape, as well as the new $200 million Ritz-Carlton – The Muscat Reserve, and the high-end mixed-use Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort managed by Jumeirah Group, valued at $840 million.

Supporting infrastructure development projects include the long-awaited Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, built at a cost of $560 million, and the Al Futtaim Group’s $468 million Mall of Oman.

Business Monitor International forecasts 1.14 million tourist arrivals to Oman this year, up by 3 per cent on 2014 with tourism receipts reaching $2.24 billion, up by 5 per cent year-on-year; and with the delivery of high profile projects such as the Oman Convention Centre and Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort pegged for 2016 and 2017 respectively, the country’s key tourism players are shaping a unique premium destination in the region.