The Ministry of Tourism participants in ATM 2018

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018

At the Sultanate’s pavilion in the exhibition, Her Excellency praised the part played by the organizations in the tourism sector that participated in the exhibition and helped create methods to market and activate the tourism movement in the Sultanate. 

H.E Maitha Saif Al-Mahrouqi stated: “The tourism sector in the Sultanate is witnessing a remarkable annual growth with statistical indicators pointing out the increase in the number of tourists and visitors; as well as the launch of new tourism projects and hotel facilities around the Sultanate reinforced by the governmental efforts in further developing the vital projects and the infrastructures related to tourisim. Further, facilitating and creating tourism related initiatives. This comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts in implementing the first phase of the Omani Tourism strategy in addition to integrating and cooperating with different sectors and institutes that are working directly or indirectly with Oman Tourism from within the tourism sector and other sectors as well.”

Her Excellency added that “the Ministry has always been keen to participate annually in international travel and tourism events where major organizations and investors from all around the world gather in one spot to exchange knowledge, experiences and build bridges of common interests. ATM stands as a perfect platform for the representatives to promote the latest tourism services, projects and encourage tourism investments”

The Sultanate has recorded a substantial growth in the tourism sector, underlying the Sultanate’s efforts in the tourism improvement in numerous components which is an benefit to market the newest tourism solutions, projects and installations and encourage tourism investment. The quantity of hotel establishments elevated from 337 establishments in 2016 to 367 establishments in 2017 with a modify of eight.9% and an annual development price of six.four% given that 2009 to 2017. The quantity of these establishments reached 20,581 hotel rooms by the finish of 2017 compared to 18825 rooms in the prior year with a modify of 9.three% and an annual development price of eight.eight% from 2009-2017.

Her Excellency added that, “The Sultanate is witnessing progress and prosperity within the strategic plans for sustainable tourism development such as opening the new passenger terminal at the Muscat International Airport and facilitating the electronic visa total of 45,947 electronic visas were issued from 21 March 2018 to 16 April 2018. Additionally, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is progressing with the second phase of the project and the transformation of the Port Sultan Qaboos into a tourism destination will provide a vibrant, active and high quality public realm to Muscat. The Ministry’s participation will highlight future tourism plans, events, projects and other initiatives of the tourism sector that links to the strategies implemented by the national program for enhancing economic diversification” 

The initial day of the exhibition witnessed a quantity of gatherings and official meetings that had been held in the Sultanate’s pavilion, involving international governmental delegations, investors, businessmen, and travel and tourism businesses. As effectively, Her Excellency met representatives from the international media and gave an overview of the developments in the Sultanate in the tourism sector.

Through its participation in this international exhibition, the Ministry will highlight future tourism plans and projects which are anticipated to be launched quickly, and these that will add a worth to the sector by attracting a huge quantity of vacationers. A distinctive concentrate will be provided to market tourism in summer season — Khareef Festival in Salalah and other most prominent provides that guests can avail of from numerous tourism establishments and hotels.

The Ministry of Tourism continues its preparation for the tourist season with the advent of summer season (Khareef), Keeping in thoughts the destination’s reputation amongst the vacationers all through the year, the Ministry of Tourism is regularly operating on enhancing current facilities in the Dhofar Governorate and introducing new projects to meet the demands of vacationers throughout the Monsoon season. As effectively, Salalah maintains a good posture in terms of tourist flow specifically from a number of European nations throughout the winter season, which begins from October to May every year. Further, the mountains and plains in the area turn out to be lush green throughout the Monsoon season which starts from June 21 and runs via till September 21st
of every year, the governorate becomes a tourist hub from various nations specifically from the Gulf nations.

Seven brand new hotels will open this year to add 1851 rooms from the hotel establishments in the premises to meet the increasing demand, a total of 3346 rooms are accessible in Salalah and its adjoining locations.

This year, ATM will contain a quantity of events for travel and tourism’s experts, and will also witness the participation of specialists and major personalities in the tourism sector, who will go over and assessment numerous important problems connected to tourism more than the 4-day forum.