Kabeer Yousuf -
Muscat, Sept 20: -
A vivid image of the Sultanate’s rich maritime heritage and culture will be on focus at the International Maritime Exhibition in La Rochelle, France, from September 27 to October 3, where the Ministry of Tourism will be representing the country in the capacity of a ‘Guest of Honour’.
For seven days, the port city of La Rochelle will be the melting pot of diverse seafaring cultures and traditions as a cross-section of countries, represented by their respective maritime and tourism ministries and experts in tourism as well as maritime heritage, will be sharing the podium with each other.
“The Sultanate will be specially featured at the International Maritime Exhibition as Oman has been chosen to be the ‘Guest of Honour’,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Tourism said.
Five annual international exhibitions specialising in marine boat show and marketing services along with water tourism activities will be on display.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the French city of La Rochelle has allocated an area of 700 square metres for the Omani Ministry of Tourism to build the largest pavilion at the World Expo where a replica of Omani maritime heritage will be recreated.
The exhibition, with a participation of more than 800 exhibitors from over 30 countries, is a major platform in the marine tourism sector for each promotion will detail what is new and distinguished in the world of leisure navigation to an audience of more than 90,000 visitors from different countries of the world. These 800 exhibitors, specialised in marine products, services and activities, will showcase their luxury yachts to the high networth individuals from across the world.
“Omani pavilion will be divided into eight sub sections,” said the spokesperson.
“While the first booth will showcase our public and private partnership scenario, the second will provide information on tourist destinations. The third will make a visual presentation on the blessed Renaissance of the country and cultural elements of the environment and Omani society,” he said.
The fourth section will host art and cultural performances while the fifth section is dedicated to providing Omani hospitality and giving visitors a chance to taste traditional ‘kahwa’, dates and Omani sweets.
The sixth and seventh sections are dedicated to a mini exhibition on traditional craft industries and Omani photo exhibition respectively. The photo exhibition pavilion will showcase some of the excellent creations of local photographers and some artists and calligraphers in action.
“The eighth pavilion is dedicated to the traditional performing arts where authentic Omani music will be played live and dances showcased. Visitors will be in for a true slice of Omani lifestyle, seafaring dances and songs transcending them to a bygone era.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
