Oman is redefining travel with its seamless blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation, making it an ideal destination for experience-driven holidays. From majestic mountains to pristine beaches, vibrant souqs to world-class resorts, Oman offers a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
This unique allure set the stage for DERPART’s annual conference, “Let’s DERPART it,” held at the Shangri-La Al Bandar Hotel under the theme ‘The Best of Both Worlds'. Over 140 participants, including DERPART franchise partners, gathered to explore the future of travel, with a particular focus on integrating AI-driven solutions to enhance personalised journeys.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) hosted the annual conference of Germany's DERPART Travel Agency from November 30 to December 2, at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort.
“Oman represents both worlds: a country with a very modern approach, combined with a rich heritage and culture,” said Thomas Osswald, Managing Director at DERPART. “It’s this harmony that makes it the perfect location for our event.” A key highlight of the conference was the exploration of how artificial intelligence can revolutionise travel. Smarter CRM systems, predictive booking technologies and personalised customer experiences were identified as essential tools for creating deeper connections between travellers and destinations. “For Oman,” said Andreas Weber, Andreas Weber – Senior Vice President Leisure, Marketing & Franchise, “these technologies can amplify its unique appeal, encouraging immersive travel that goes beyond traditional sightseeing.”
Oman’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure was also a focal point. With state-of-the-art facilities like the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), strong air connectivity via Muscat International Airport and luxurious hotels like Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Oman is positioning itself as a premier destination for corporate travel. This alignment with the growing “bleisure” trend - combining business and leisure - further enhances its appeal.
Katja Vortmann, Vice-President, Business Travel, at DERPART, highlighted collaborative opportunities with Oman’s travel industry. “We are happy to support a business travel agency chain in Oman to become a member of GlobalStar. This will enable the agency to offer local customers international support while giving GlobalStar members an excellent service base in Oman,” she said.
Post-conference tours offered over 40 travel agency owners a chance to experience Oman’s wonders first-hand. Excursions to the golden sands of Rimal Al Sharqiya and the lush greenery of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar showcased the country’s diversity and depth.
“These trips allowed our partners to immerse themselves in Oman’s beauty, equipping them with authentic stories to inspire their clients back home,” said Andreas Weber. Oman’s welcoming culture and rich traditions were other key highlights of the conference. Participants experienced the warmth of Omani hospitality through traditional music, dance and cuisine, leaving a lasting impression.
Andrew Weber, DERPART’s Regional Manager, remarked, “Oman’s ability to combine authenticity with modernity is unparalleled. It’s a destination that leaves a lasting impact.”
Looking forward, DERPART plans to feature Oman more prominently in its marketing efforts, leveraging the personal experiences of its franchise partners to inspire travellers. “We will use the first-hand experiences of DERPARTners to create authentic content for our campaigns and newsletters, encouraging clients to explore Oman as an emerging destination,” said Weber. For leisure travellers, Oman offers luxury resorts, unspoiled natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. For business travellers, it provides modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity and the opportunity to combine work with leisure. “Oman truly offers the best of both worlds,” said Osswald, summarising its appeal. “It’s an unforgettable experience for any traveller.”
The conference underscored the immense potential for collaboration between DERPART and Oman’s travel sector. Oman’s mix of heritage and innovation aligns seamlessly with the evolving expectations of today’s travellers. Its reputation as a safe and emerging destination for German tourists further strengthens its position in the global tourism landscape.
By blending tradition with innovation and leveraging AI to create personalised travel experiences, Oman continues to captivate the world as a destination where stories come to life.
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