DESTINATION REPORT/ OMAN
Right: Oman Fort Facing page: Blue Mosque, Muscat Bottom left: Scuba diving in Oman
Interest from planners is already evident. “Key stakeholders and decision makers of international and regional organisations have already expressed a desire to host meetings in Oman. However, the country has not been ready,” says Uechtritz. “Until now, Oman did not possess (or have under devel-
opment) the sufficient infrastructure such as a large-capacity international airport, world-class venues, supporting hotels and the services that are required to attract and manage these large-scale world-class events successfully.” Together with the tourism ministry, AEG Ogden is
expanding the global profile and positioning of Oman as a serious contender for hosting future international and regional conventions, exhibitions, corporate conferences, product launches, special events and concerts. “In the initial pre-opening phase, the emphasis is on
international and regional conventions that are planned multiple years in advance,” says Uechtritz. “Almost 60 per- cent of international associations are based in Europe so that is a core market. Due to its proximity, Asia follows a close second and next comes North America. “Events from the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterra-
nean are usually placed with a shorter lead time and will be a primary catchment area for OCEC,” continues Uechtritz. Many event organisers have already stated how thrilled they are to have yet another option in which to host these regional events, plus specialists to ensure this process is managed successfully from day one. This enables AEG Ogden to share its global expertise and knowledge by working in partner- ship with Oman’s key stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Tourism and industry suppliers.” As well as having one-on-one meetings with key players
to spread the word on the centre’s development, AEG Ogden is keen to develop more strategic partnerships. “It is vital for a new convention centre to commence
marketing and business development activities many years in advance to ensure there is confirmed business prior to opening its doors,” says Uechtritz. “Many of the larger more significant international conventions may only convene every two, three or four years and often make their deci- sions on where to host future conventions between four to 12 years in advance. We are currently working on business opportunities right through to 2024.” To meet the demands of the most discerning global con-
ference organisers, OCEC is being built within a fully inte- grated precinct located only four kilometres from Muscat International Airport. The development is supported by a five-star hotel, two four-star hotels and one three-star hotel,
Ideal activities for groups of travellers include desert expeditions, mountain treks, tours of historic, cultural and archeological sites and trips to the coast
68 /
1,000 hotel rooms will be
development
available within the OCEC
all totalling 1,000 rooms. There will also be a shop- ping centre and business park within landscaped parklands overlooking a wadi. “Ultimately, it is the client’s decision based on
the needs of the delegates that are attending their events, but we will be working in partnership with relevant Omani operators to sell the destination as a complete package for international, regional and national events,” says Uechtritz. Leading DMC, The Vision Destination Man-
agement Oman, has been promoting the meetings potential in Oman over the past two years at major industry events in Europe, Asia and the US. “With further hotels coming up we are confident
that the destination will be ready to accommodate delegates in hotels not too far from OCEC,” says Gen- eral Manager Salim Al Masroori. “All our packages for corporate travellers
include the option to extend their trips in a beach hotel or to take part in half-day or full-day excur- sions. In both Muscat and Salalah, group travellers can start with a city tour and then, if time permits, they can venture further out. A trip to the Wahiba Sands is not to be missed as well as a full-day tour of east and west Salalah.” Meetings and incentives company National Travel
and Tourism (NTT) Mice-Pro is also gearing up for more business in Oman. “The destination’s hotels and resorts, coupled with the excellent meetings venues, infrastructure, good flight connectivity and plenty of choices for pre- and post-meeting tours, make Oman an ideal destination for meetings planners,” says Santhosh Kanakandath, Head of Tours. Reiterating that the peak season for meetings
in Oman is between October and April, NTT Mice- Pro is preparing for an anticipated influx of visi- tors with more vehicles and employees, including drivers and guides. “Ideal activities for groups of travellers include desert expeditions, mountain treks, tours of historic, cultural and archeological sites and trips to the coast.”
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