OMAN Ministry of Tourism was presented with one of 10 prestigious World Travel Market Global Awards at WTM’s VIP opening ceremony.
HE Mohammed Al Toobi, Undersecretary for Tourism, received the award from WTM chairman Fiona Jeffery. WTM’s Global Media Network, comprising key travel industry media around the world, were invited to nominate companies that have made a remarkable contribution to their region’s travel and tourism industry.
Nominated by leading Middle Eastern travel trade publication TTN Middle East, Oman Tourism was chosen as it has been developing its tourism industry discreetly, blending inevitable progress subtly alongside its cultural and traditional attributes. It has promoted care for the environment and seeks quality over quantity when it comes to the type of tourist it wants to attract.
Although several big projects are being developed these are diversified and spread over many different areas. There is much focus on eco tourism, cultural experiences and adventure options and the country seems to not want to lose its identity. Oman Tourism has also been encouraging tourists from GCC countries to stay in this part of the world instead of going abroad by actively promoting the annual Salalah Tourism Festival in July and August.
Other Global Award winners were Tourism British Columbia (Canadian Travel Press, Canada); Port de Barcelona (Editur, Spain); Albatravel (L’Agenzia di Viaggi, Italy); Luiz Henrique Silveira, The Governor of the State of Santa Catarina (Mercado & Eventos, Brazil); Pestana Group (Publituris, Portugal); Superclubs & Sonesta Hotels & Resorts (Rèport Américas, Latin America); Lanta-Tur Voyage (Tour Business, Russia); Peter Kerkar Global CEO, Cox & Kings India Ltd (Trav Talk, India); Micato Safaris & AmericaShare (Travel Weekly USA, United States of America).