Money matters for travellers
Having affordable rates at tourist destinations can support Oman Vision 2040, bringing in more tourists from all continents, and take Oman's tourism to a great level
Published: 04:12 PM,Dec 31,2022 | EDITED : 08:12 PM,Dec 31,2022
The key elements of tourism are, by and large, a friendly ambience, advanced infrastructure, better options for boarding, good means of transportation, and last but not least, economic and fitting to the diverse budgets, an important feature for the majority of tourists including backpackers.
While the Sultanate of Oman takes pride in having hospitable people, transport and communication means, and natural tourism destinations, there is a question over hotel rates and entertainment avenues.
According to some tourists who visited the country and reports published by some of the foreign travellers in their home countries, hotel rates, prices of antiques and curios, and other charges levied on tourists are sometimes the major deciding factor in their holiday plans.
On the other hand, Having affordable rates at tourist destinations can support Oman Vision 2040, bringing in more tourists from all continents, and take Oman's tourism to a great level, according to tourism experts.
'Yes, the cost of hotel and other tourist logistics are high in Oman compared to some of GCC countries due to which mass tourism has not reached its full potential,' said Sunil D'Souza, CEO of Travel City Group.
If rates of hotels and prices charged by tourist spots are a tad more competitive, tourists will find it more attractive to explore the inbound tourism to Oman and tourism marketing will have infinite potential, they opine.
'A budget hotel charges a minimum of RO 20 whereas I was able to stay in another GCC country for half of the price,' Zainab al Zadjali, an Omani traveller, says.
Tourists who visited Ras al Jinz turtle-watching venue feel the charges of RO 8 per head are taxing. A family of 5 will end up paying a big sum, given they had budgeted their travel plans.
'The fee for turtle watching for one person is RO 8 at the moment, instead of the previous RO 5 and RO 3, which they used to charge until few years ago. If they maintain the old ticket, I feel more visitors will be attracted to this unique experience,' said a member of two tourist families comprising of 11 members. They claimed to have called off their plans at the last moment.
According to Ayman Assa'abi, a tourist guide at the Ras Al Jinz turtle watch, there has been a decline in the number of tourists.
'I think, just as the World Cup got over and visitors are opting for budget travel which is reflected in their choices and preferences,' says Assa'abi.
Experts have suggested some measures to improve the scenario, such as reducing the formation charges and licence fees, designing hotel packages for all types of travellers, and building capacity, more hotel rooms and five and 4-star hotels.
'Also, taxis must be metred like the rest of the GCC regions, and more taxis need to be added for tourists to move around. Likewise, more family attractions should be created to make Oman attractive to tourists,' added D'Souza.
@kabeeryousef
While the Sultanate of Oman takes pride in having hospitable people, transport and communication means, and natural tourism destinations, there is a question over hotel rates and entertainment avenues.
According to some tourists who visited the country and reports published by some of the foreign travellers in their home countries, hotel rates, prices of antiques and curios, and other charges levied on tourists are sometimes the major deciding factor in their holiday plans.
On the other hand, Having affordable rates at tourist destinations can support Oman Vision 2040, bringing in more tourists from all continents, and take Oman's tourism to a great level, according to tourism experts.
'Yes, the cost of hotel and other tourist logistics are high in Oman compared to some of GCC countries due to which mass tourism has not reached its full potential,' said Sunil D'Souza, CEO of Travel City Group.
If rates of hotels and prices charged by tourist spots are a tad more competitive, tourists will find it more attractive to explore the inbound tourism to Oman and tourism marketing will have infinite potential, they opine.
'A budget hotel charges a minimum of RO 20 whereas I was able to stay in another GCC country for half of the price,' Zainab al Zadjali, an Omani traveller, says.
Tourists who visited Ras al Jinz turtle-watching venue feel the charges of RO 8 per head are taxing. A family of 5 will end up paying a big sum, given they had budgeted their travel plans.
'The fee for turtle watching for one person is RO 8 at the moment, instead of the previous RO 5 and RO 3, which they used to charge until few years ago. If they maintain the old ticket, I feel more visitors will be attracted to this unique experience,' said a member of two tourist families comprising of 11 members. They claimed to have called off their plans at the last moment.
According to Ayman Assa'abi, a tourist guide at the Ras Al Jinz turtle watch, there has been a decline in the number of tourists.
'I think, just as the World Cup got over and visitors are opting for budget travel which is reflected in their choices and preferences,' says Assa'abi.
Experts have suggested some measures to improve the scenario, such as reducing the formation charges and licence fees, designing hotel packages for all types of travellers, and building capacity, more hotel rooms and five and 4-star hotels.
'Also, taxis must be metred like the rest of the GCC regions, and more taxis need to be added for tourists to move around. Likewise, more family attractions should be created to make Oman attractive to tourists,' added D'Souza.
@kabeeryousef