MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s tourism representation offices abroad are making all efforts to woo tourists. These 14 offices belonging to the Ministry of Tourism are targeting competitive markets around the world.
These offices are introducing “new tourism products” to operators and tourists and trying to establish the country as an emerging tourism destination.
They have been holding meetings, conferences and exhibitions, and offering incentives to tourists via different means, including cruise ships.
They are targeting independent travellers with interests such as biking, sailing or hiking, as well as tour groups interested in cultural tourism and families looking for leisure destinations on the beaches.
Promotional activities organised by these offices include trade fairs focusing on tourism, presentations on attractive tourist destinations, coordination with tour operators/ travel agencies, advertising/ organising introductory tour packages for travel agents, tour operators and journalists as well as media campaigns and publishing of articles on electronic platforms.
They have continued to train tour operators to respond to customers’ demands and motivate them to suggest destinations to customers.
These offices send journalists to specific destinations in the Sultanate to highlight the country in the media.
Rania Khadhr, Director, MoT’s Foreign Tourism Representation Office in Paris, said the office promoted tourism through advertising, which includes partnership with airlines, hotels and tour operators.
“Campaigns increase awareness and the destination needs to be seen to connect with the people. Photographs and texts are used. This makes the work of promotion of tourism products easier.”
She said the campaigns led to “positive results”.
The tourism representation office of the Sultanate of Oman in Italy is updating people with the latest information of travel agents, tour operators and hotels of the country through regular newsletters.
Media organisations are also provided with information about Oman through monthly press releases and individual communication.
The Italy office promotes the country through brand awareness and advertising campaigns.
Italy is currently the third largest market for tourists coming to the Sultanate, after the UK and Germany.
The popularity of the Sultanate in the Italian market is evident from the growth in the number of tourists it has received in recent years.
A total of 35,984 Italian tourists reached Oman, registering a 131.2-per cent, in the first quarter of 2018 as against 9,080 tourists last year.
The Ministry of Tourism last month held travel and tourism exhibitions in Rome and Milan to attract Italian tourists. It showcased the major tourist destinations of Oman at these exhibitions.
“Through a Facebook page, we have built a direct relationship with 23,000 followers who offer feedback,” said a spokesman from the tourism representation office in Italy.
In addition, the launch of www.experienceoman.om has helped attract tourists from European countries.
Similarly, the tourism office in the UK carries out digital marketing as well as promotions through television, radio and theatres. — ONA
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