MIDDLE EAST OMAN
Heritage Site the Land of Frankincense, and the second largest city in the Sultanate, Salalah. All of these are popular with visitors to Oman.
Q&A: SALIM AL MAMARI
Director general at Oman Ministry of Tourism
What are your top three source markets and how have they been performing in 2019? Europe is our main source market with the UK, France, Germany and Italy as main origin countries, collectively growing 12% from the previous year (January to August 2019). India is another key growth market for Oman.
What are the top attractions in Oman? The capital city, Muscat, is home to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is a triumph of Islamic architecture and one of the few mosques in Oman that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. The Royal Opera House Muscat is Oman’s leading arts, music and cultural venue, and hosts performances from both local and international artists every night. Oman Natural History Museum is another favourite, and no visit to the city is complete without a trip to the Muttrah Souq. Outside of Muscat, Oman has
beautiful beaches at Musandam, the rolling dunes of A’Sharqiyah Sands, the desert oases and the wadis. Fortresses across Oman are also popular, with Nizwa Fort a favourite along with Bahla Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands. To the south, Dhofar is home to Unesco World
What type of traveller does Oman appeal to? Oman appeals to a wide range of travellers, as it has such a diverse offering. Adventurous types love its inspiring landscape, which lends itself to adventure sports such as hiking, trail running and watersports. Holidaymakers and honeymooners looking for luxury enjoy visiting Oman due to its many lavish five-star hotels and pristine sand beaches, and it is also a great destination for golfers, with a PGA accredited course in Muscat. The fact Oman is such a safe destination and the Omanis are renowned for their warm hospitality makes it an excellent destination for families too.
What does Oman have to offer luxury travellers in particular? Oman is home to some of the most impressive hotels in the world and offers excellent service levels and attractions, so it has plenty for luxury travellers to enjoy. Highlights in the Muscat area alone include The Chedi, Al Bustan Palace – a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, and Kempinski Hotel Muscat. Further afield, Six Senses Zighy Bay resort in Musandam, and the two Anantara properties, Al Baleed Resort in Salalah and Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in the mountains, are real standouts.
What are the current tourism trends in Oman? Soft adventure, which includes hiking in the mountains, diving in Musandam and camping in the desert at the A’Sharqiyah Sands. The Sultanate is also home to the second largest cave chamber in the world, Majlis Al Jinn, and caving is increasingly popular – as are endurance events such as marathons and cycling events. We also have
plans to add quite a few new adventure activities by 2020.
Are there any aviation plans? The national carrier Oman Air will be consolidating its network over 2019 and 2020. The focus will be on attracting European passengers to Oman.
Any new hotels?
W Muscat opened earlier this year and JW Marriott Muscat is due to open in November. Jumeirah Muscat Bay and Dhabab Resort in Qurayyat are both due to open in 2020.
What will your marketing focus on in 2020? We shall continue to not only promote Muscat, but the less well-known areas of the country such as Salalah and Musandam. We want to ensure travellers realise how much the whole country has to offer, and we’re planning some interesting new partnerships with well-known operators and brands.
Is there any other news we should be aware of? With inbound tourist numbers rising, the planning aspects and product development are moving in parallel with the growth. The 2040 strategy is being planned for implementation, projects under the economic diversification drive – Tanfeedh – are being executed, the sector as a whole is being aligned and more accommodation is in the pipeline.
Visit the Oman Ministry of Tourism on stand ME600
05.11.2019 WTM OFFICIAL EVENT DAILY
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