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News item from Tourism Review

Oman's Tourism Grows

04 March 2008

The Sultanate of Oman on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula is developing its tourism industry. The government promotes the country abroad to bring more tourists. According to the Ministry of Tourism in Oman, the target is not only leisure tourists but also people involved in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions) sector. Tourism industry becomes more important for the Omani economy. It is illustrated by the fact that the Ministry of Tourism is only two years old.  Currently, hotels in Oman enjoy 100 per cent occupancy rates during the high peak season.  Nowadays there are some 9000 hotel rooms in Oman and the plans are to open additional 9000 rooms by 2015 ranging from two to five star properties. 

According to experts from Oman, there is a big demand for the country. They, however, control the flow as they want only responsible tourists. It is also true that infrastructure is not yet ready for a big influx of visitors. At present, there are investments of more than US$30 billion going into the tourism industry. MICE sector has problems with insufficient facilities. They can cater for groups of 500 and less but not for big groups that exceed 600 delegates. The Director General of Tourism Promotion, Salim Bin AdeyAl-Mamari, claims that their campaigns have proved to be successful. According to Mr. Salim previous years' efforts to promote Oman in Australia are slowly gaining substantial results. He also says that Oman offers an experience very different from its neighboring countries and it is what makes it demanded. Oman's development strategy is based on four factors maintaining the country"s culture, improving tourism awareness, constant development of tourism infrastructure projects and maintaining the rich bio-diversity of the country. The tourism industry is also important for luring foreign investors and therefore for creation of new jobs.

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Tribute to His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said

"I promise you to proceed forthwith in the process of creating a modern government. My first act will be the immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities.

"My people, I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future. Every one of you must play his part towards this goal. Our country in the past was famous and strong. If we work in unity and cooperation we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take a respectable place in the world.

"I call upon you to continue living as usual. I will be arriving in Muscat in the coming days and then I will let you know of my future plans.

"My people, I and my new government will work to achieve our general objective.

"My people, my brothers, yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.

"God bless us all and may He grant our efforts success."

And so began the reign of Sultan Qaboos on 23 July 1970.. Continued