A senior official of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said that in the coming years, the Sultanate of Oman will host large-scale events like those in other countries.
Speaking to the Observer at the Arabian Travel Market, Khalid bin Zadjali, director of the Oman Convention Bureau, said, "There is no specific timeline, but we certainly have such plans and are working on meetings and conferences that can bring thousands of people to the country. We have nice airports, hotels, and road infrastructure, among other things.
Speaking about the Arabian Travel Market, he said it is one of the top three events around the world, and gives us an important platform and opportunities to meet our counterparts from various source markets. We are also focusing on promoting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in the Sultanate of Oman. We see a growth in the MICE market are working with the hoteliers, agents, including those who come for these events."
He added, "We have a strong partnership with Marriott Hotels, and we launched an incentive program. So any groups through these hotels come to the Oman Convention Bureau. We are also working on the Saudi Market."There has been a growth of around 7 to 8% in the MICE market. We also support and promote Salalah as a second destination after Muscat. Salalah is the only city in the Gulf area where one can visit year-round."Some events were conducted last year in September, which can be held even in October.
Jabal Akhdar has iconic selling points for the MICE, and there are some packages as incentives. It is a unique destination and different from beach properties.
Oman is also targeting more than 140 countries that participate in these events.
On offering connectivity to visitors, "He said Oman Air has been covering major cities such as India, which is one of the strong source markets, besides. flying to the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and now Amsterdam."
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
