Experts say halal tourism to improve Oman's prospects

6/27/2016 1:57:16 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Looking at other successful countries, experts and tourism agencies in Oman say the sultanate will do well by improving halal tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), in its annual report, pointed out that in 2015, it initiated a number of development projects at various destinations in addition to building infrastructure at different locations.

The ministry has conducted a comprehensive assessment of the performance of the approved operational plan for 2015. Ahmed el Desouky, head of Leisure Outbound at Travel Point, said, ''Oman has tourism potential that is different from Malaysia, Dubai and Thailand. ''The weather from October to February is pleasant. Hotel prices suit all people they range from RO20 to RO250.''

However, four-star and five-star hotels in Oman are expensive, he said, adding that the number of rooms is not enough compared to those in Malaysia, Dubai and Thailand. Desouky said Oman with its topography has a lot of potential especially for European tourists. Safari tourism can be developed as the sultanate is blessed with mountains and wadis.

The surrounding sea can be utilised for dive tourism and fishing excursions. Historical places such as castles and forts which cannot be found in many countries also offer the sultanate a unique opportunity to develop tourism. Islamic banking windows in Oman too have shown interest in helping improve halal tourism.

Sheikh Dr Salim al Dhahab, chairman, Sharia''a Supervisory Board Maisarah, BankDhofar, said steps should be taken to encourage internal tourism taking advantage of different geographical aspects of the sultanate such as deserts, plains and mountains. He added that a significant financial investment too is needed to promote tourism and there should be creative ideas for different terrains in the country.

''We have succeeded to do this in Salalah but it is a temporary success,'' he said. ''European tourists need to see the desert, the stars and the Bedouin lifestyle. Another advantage for us is safety and stability found in the country.'' Sulaiman al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer Islamic Banking, Bank Muscat said that Dubai and Malaysia have been able to attract many halal tourists by creating the appropriate atmosphere, especially for families.

''In Oman, it is also possible to achieve this easily through marketing and advertising programmes directed at families. We don''t have such programmes. We should identify markets to promote it.'' As per the ministry, there were 297 hotel establishments in 2014 and the number increased to 318 last year. The number of hotel apartments too grew from 15,424 in 2014 to 16,691 in 2015.

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