With the World Cup in Qatar less than five months away and Oman likely to host a large chunk of fans, there has been demand from all quarters that the Sultanate of Oman should take maximum advantage of the occasion.
Eng Mohammed bin Salim al Busaidy, chairman, Omran Group, said that such mega-events will not be held in the region again soon.
“This is the real starting point for the recovery of the tourism sector movement in the Sultanate of Oman. Efforts must be combined to maximise the benefit of this opportunity, which might not be repeated in the region,” he said.
Underlining the importance of Oman being a partner in such a major event, Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said that details will be soon announced, which will include the establishment of an Olympic and recreational village or a venue that will host tourism programmes for the football fans staying in the Sultanate of Oman.
Responding to requests for promoting the tourism potential of some governorates, the minister said, “All segments of the tourism sector and small and medium-sized enterprises have good possibilities for recovery and make some gains by hosting a large number of football fans in various governorates.”
The two national airlines, Oman Air and Qatar Airways have announced a partnership to provide air connectivity during Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 between Muscat and Doha.
Under this agreement, 21 flights will be operated between Muscat and Doha, to transport fans of the World Cup to Qatar 2022.
Overall, there will be 48 daily flights between the two countries (24 round trips) during the matches between November and December 18.
The shuttle flights will provide a seamless and convenient 24-hour experience for all football fans between Muscat and Doha throughout the tournament.
This service is designed with the purpose of connecting fans seamlessly to Qatar so they can attend their respective matches, before departing Doha on the same day.
Muscat is among the cities in the region that will host the audience and visitors of the World Cup in Qatar 2022 because of its multiple tourism components represented in ancient markets, and historical and archaeological monuments.
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