MUSCAT: Several travel and tourism companies praised the development of the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to the castles, forts, traditional markets, and Omani customs that give a unique tourist character different from other countries and contribute to attracting tourists to the Sultanate of Oman in various seasons.
Travel and tourism companies also pointed out that Oman is on the verge of a tourism growth, emphasizing that innovative communication methods enhance the development of relationships and exchange of experiences in the tourism sector. They highlighted the importance of meetings hosted by Oman in strengthening cooperation opportunities and opening new horizons for the tourism sector with various countries worldwide.
Ayman Al Qaddouh, an expert in the travel and tourism sector from Qatar, stated that Oman is witnessing noticeable development through the government's focus on sustainable sectors and diversifying its economy, especially in the travel, tourism, and entertainment sectors in the Omani market. He mentioned that one of the most significant achievements of domestic tourism in Oman is the selection of the city of Sur as the capital of Arab tourism for the year 2024.
He added that what distinguishes domestic tourism in Oman from other Gulf Cooperation Council countries is its moderate weather throughout the year, diverse terrains, especially during the summer season in the Green Mountain region of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in the Dakhliyah Governorate, and the autumn season in Dhofar Governorate. These two destinations are relied upon in the tourism field and are destinations for visitors from various GCC countries, Arab countries, Europe, and Asia, which in turn will revitalize the sector and increase hotel occupancy rates in various governorates of Oman.
Veronica Nabori from South America said that Oman is a preferred tourist destination for many visitors from various South American cities, pointing out that it is characterized by tourist attractions such as beaches, mountains, sands, and other attractive features encouraging visitors.
She confirmed that the meetings organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism promote communication between international travel and tourism companies with their counterparts in Oman, including hotel establishments and providers of tourism experiences using innovative communication methods to develop relationships and exchange experiences in the tourism sector.
She added: "We are currently working on introducing visitors from South America to the tourist attractions that Oman is distinguished by and the facilities offered by hotels for those wishing to visit, as well as introducing them to the traditional markets and industries that Oman is known for." She emphasized that these traditional industries have a special character, especially Omani dagger industry, women's jewelry, perfumes, incense, and frankincense found in Dhofar Governorate.
Glen Johnston, Vice President for the Middle East and International Affairs at American company "Aviareps," said that Oman possesses various tourism attractions in its different governorates, each of which stands out with its unique tourist and historical advantages
He stated that Oman's hosting of international tourism companies and its participation in various tourism events and exhibitions familiarize foreign tourists with Omani tourist and historical sites, affirming that the upcoming autumn season in Dhofar Governorate will be a qualitative leap for foreign tourists coming from various countries worldwide. It will contribute to increasing occupancy rates in hotel facilities and cooperation with Omani companies operating in the tourism sector and their international counterparts.
Rahul Sukramani, Sales Manager at the St. Regis Resort in Al Mouj, Muscat, emphasized the tourism position of Oman through the tourist attractions and environmental diversity it is distinguished by, such as the mountainous, desert, coastal environment, folk heritage, handicrafts, and traditional arts, which are important tourist attractions for visitors from various countries worldwide. He pointed out that the continuous development and expansion of hotel facilities in various categories are important factors for visitors and provide them with multiple suitable options.
He mentioned that there is significant interest and advance reservations from tourists from various European countries to visit Oman during the upcoming period of the current year, where programs have been prepared for visits to some tourist and heritage sites, castles, forts, and various traditional markets distinguished by Oman's governorates, confirming that this tourist interest is due to the qualitative and rapid progress witnessed by the Omani tourism sector.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism stated that the number of tourists who visited Oman in 2023 reached 4 million visitors, an increase of 36.7% over 2022.
The number of passengers through Muscat International Airport exceeded 12.6 million by the end of last year, with a growth rate of 46%, and the number of flights through the airport reached 95,000 flights, with a growth rate of 38% compared to 2022.
The recent statistics issued by the National Center for Statistics and Information confirmed an increase in revenues of hotels classified (3 - 5) stars in Oman by the end of 2023 by 23.4% to reach 229 million 256 thousand Omani riyals compared to 185 million 772 thousand Omani riyals by the end of 2022. — ONA
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