MUSCAT, MAY 30 - The Sultanate is aiming to attract more tourists during Eid holidays by setting up various amenities and facilities.
“We are currently overseeing the construction of various amenities which include basic as well as additional leisure facilities in cooperation with various other ministries and other authorities,” Mohammed bin Saif al Riyami, Director of the International Office at the Ministry of Tourism, told the Observer.
“One will witness a lot of improvements to these sites which include basic infrastructure, petrol stations, restaurants, coffee shops, wash rooms and other facilities which would make a family trip along the country a leisurely journey,” he said.
Reports suggest that Oman’s tourism push has resulted in local tourists outnumbering foreign tourists.
The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reports that tourism in the Sultanate has shot up to RO 1.2 billion by the end of 2016, of which RO 882.5 million came from domestic tourists. Foreign tourists brought in RO 319 million.
“We encourage private investors from both inside and outside of Oman to consider tourism as their investment focus which is growing in leaps and bounds.
“Easy investment options for tourism are worked out with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, PACI (Public Authority for Craft Industry) and other bodies,” Al Riyami said.
An exclusive summer tourism campaign called ‘Discover Oman’ was recently kicked off partnering with some 51 establishments from across the board with both citizens and expatriates alike aiming at improving domestic tourism.
This will offer special packages for tourists visiting Oman’s tourist spots.
“We make domestic tourism a real culture and tradition-oriented one. We encourage people through traditional art and culture forms and sports activities such as camel racing and horse racing,” Mohammed al Riyami said.
KABEER YOUSUF
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