(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The number of tourists from the UK and Ireland visiting Oman has witnessed good growth in the past decade.
'Last year around 133000 British tourists visited Oman. There has been an increase of ten per cent each year during the past 11 years' said Alison Cryer director of the UK and Ireland office the sultanate's Ministry of Tourism adding that Oman has the potential to become a popular destination among Britons. Alison was speaking after visiting the sultanate's pavilion at Cowes Week held in the UK last week.
Oman is gaining popularity among Irish visitors too said Alison. 'The number of Irish visitors to Oman has been increasing by 18 per cent each year. Last year 7000 Irish tourists visited Oman. Both British and Irish tourists usually visit Oman between October and February but we are now trying to focus on the summer months as well. If you compare Oman with the other neighbouring GCC countries the sultanate is much affordable. Besides Omanis are also very friendly and that is what makes it an ideal tourist destination.'
Simon Greaves a journalist working with Financial Times who was also at the pavilion was all praises for the sultanate. 'Oman has retained its heritage and culture despite rapid strides in development. I visited the sultanate a few years ago. Oman has developed but it has retained its natural beauty and that is what increases its potential for tourism' he said.
Travel agencies in the UK too echo Greaves' sentiments. Ava Coffin business associate Designer Travel an agency in the UK said 'I assist my clients to find the best tourist destination and after I visited Oman I found it one of the best countries in the Middle East that offers a wide range of options to tourists. So whenever a clients asks me for a list of tourist destinations in the GCC Oman is always at the top.'
Huw Radley a British tourist who has visited the sultanate five times said 'Each time I think about holidays Oman is my choice especially because I feel safe there. What made me visit Oman five times is its historical legacy rich culture and pristine natural beauty. Most of the visitors from the UK like interacting with nationals and I think Omanis are very approachable.'
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