THE sixth successive Oman Travel Mart takes place this year from February 17 to 19 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre (OIEC) in Muscat.
Organisers Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) say it is a must attend annual tourism event which presents a diverse range of destinations to Omani and international travellers. The event provides an opportunity for the global travel and tourism industry to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business in one of the Middle East’s major growing markets.
Inbound and outbound tourism products, services, marketing promotions, industry innovations and trends and travel destinations are featured.
The OIEC is close to Seeb International Airport, which is 35 kilometres from Muscat city, and is equipped to hold large scale exhibitions and trade fairs.
The exhibition’s primary task is to promote tourism in and around Oman, a country recently nominated by leading Middle Eastern travel trade publication TTN Middle East to receive one of 10 prestigious World Travel Market Global Awards at last year’s World Travel Market in London.
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.
At the VIP opening ceremony the Oman Ministry of Tourism was presented with the global award, received by HE Mohammed Al Toobi, Undersecretary for Tourism.
Oman Tourism was chosen for this award as TTN believed the country has been developing its tourism industry discreetly, blending inevitable progress subtly alongside its cultural and traditional attributes. It promoted care for the environment and sought quality over quantity when it came to attracting tourists.
Although several big projects were being developed in the country these were diversified and spread over many different areas. The focus on eco tourism, cultural and adventure tourism and the fact that the country did not want to lose its traditional identity was refreshing.
OITE last year also organised the Salalah Tourism Festival, the Shopping Village, Travel, Property and Investment Show, IT, Telecom and Technology Show, Origin Oman Show and the Book and Education Fair.
Outbound tourism is growing bigger every year, with Omanis favouring places such as the Far East and GCC countries. The development of tourism is one of the focuses of the government of Oman as it also created job opportunities for young Omanis.
