David Graham CEO of Oman Sail said that it is contributing to boost sultanate's travel and tourism sector. He said 'We serve as an extension of MoT and apply our expertise to increase visitors to Oman using sailing as a platform to raise the country's global profile as a high-end tourism destination.

'The sport of sailing has an impact on general tourism marine tourism and sports event tourism. It is a fast-growing global industry with important travel and tourism-related benefits and subsequent economic impact on host destinations.

Sailing attracts international followers who comprise the upper-segment of the socio-economic sphere. These are Oman's target tourism audience: wealthy and adventurous individuals who will appreciate the country's beautiful environment.'

Oman Sail is hosting the Laser Radial Women's World Championships in Musannah. Each event hosted by Oman Sail attracts athletes support teams media attention race organisers and fans. The global media coverage of a high profile event delivers millions of rials in value and adds to Oman's reputation and attraction as a high-end destination for tourism.

Salim al Mamari director general of tourism promotion MoT said 'Tourism is a key pillar of the national economy and the sports tourism market is expanding rapidly. The economic impact of people in-bound to the country using the national airline and staying at hotels has the potential to be big in future.

'The events held here have already yielded positive results and each country represented has its media broadcasting to specific markets and showing the capability of Oman.'

Speaking on Oman's growing reputation on the international sailing circuit Jeff Martin executive secretary of the International Laser Class Association at International Sailing Federation said 'The sailors are very happy to be here in Oman the country offers great sailing magnificent facilities in terms of accommodation and offshore facilities and professional race management. If the Oman Sail programme continues the way it is there is a very good chance we will see an Omani sailor at the Olympics in future.'

Mohammed al Shikely general manager of marketing at Oman Air said 'Competing on a major sailing circuit such as the Extreme Sailing Series opens doors for usit enables us to speak directly to potential clientele and the brand exposure it gives us is vast.'