MoT B2B forum discusses ways to increase Oman's tourism potential

Date

3/3/2016 6:49:15 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) organised a B2B interactive session at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on Tuesday.

The forum was an opportunity for travel agents in Oman to have a direct discussion with 11 international market-based representatives (MBRs) of MoT.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum Asma al Hajry deputy director general of international tourism promotion MoT said 'Our MBRs have come from abroad for the annual meeting to review the performance of the previous year and look at the way forward. We have discussed what needs to be done for the year and it is exciting to have them [representatives] here as part of our national strategy for 2040. This has given various operators as well as Oman Air the opportunity to engage deeply and more closely with each other.'

Asma added 'The national strategy is to make Oman a top country for travellers and our aim is to attract 5mn travellers by 2040. We are focusing on the MICE sector and the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Muscat International Airport are part of this plan. We have already seen an increase in demand for destination weddings from India. We also have a regular flow of tourists from the GCC. Our new focus is going to be adventure tourism.'

Commenting on whether Oman would be interested in focusing on cruise tourism she said 'The national strategy does not emphasise on cruise tourism however the government is looking into that aspect too with the development of ports. We have seen an increasing interest from our partners who want to bring their cruise liners to Oman. There is a huge potential thatremains unexplored and we would like to focus as we go ahead.'

MoT has been successful in promoting the country as a destination for weddings and for leisure. In line with this approach it has also supported operators in hosting seven weddings from India. Debbie Hindle a representative of the UK market said 'We would like to promote Oman as a honeymoon and wellness destination and as a specialist in MICE tourism. We are also trying to position sultanate as a place for experiential travel as it is something that most British travellers look for. We will also be highlighting activities such as hiking trekking and diving.'

eVisa to be implemented soon Meanwhile speaking about eVisas Asma said 'eVisa is expected to be effective by June or July. I feel there is a huge potential to turn transit passenger to travellers for which we have considered issuing stop over visas. It has been implemented. We are also working with Oman Air in this regard.'

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