Bid to attract Russian tourists to Sultanate

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Tourism on Sunday received a delegation from the Russian Federation, comprising representatives of the travel and tourism companies. The visit comes within the framework of promoting the Sultanate in the Russian tourism market in a bid to increase the attraction of Russian tourists to the Sultanate. A presentation was given for the Russian delegation that highlighted the most important heritage, natural and tourism landmarks in the Sultanate. Salem bin Udai al Ma’amari, Director-General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, said that about 3,200 tourists visited the Sultanate. He explained that the Sultanate has many elements, which attract tourists from different parts of the world.

He pointed out that this joint coordination with the ROP is part of the e-visa facilitation initiative and visa procedures for the new tourist markets targeted by the Ministry of Tourism, which is part of the 15 sector initiatives of the national program to promote economic diversification. He added that most of what has been agreed upon between the Ministry of Tourism and ROP is facilitating tourist visa procedures for the next batches of new tourist markets targeted by the Omani tourism sector, namely, Russia, China, India and Iran. The 8-day visit programme set for the Russian in the Sultanate will include tours to the tourist attractions in the Governorate of Muscat. The tour also includes a visit to the historic market and castle of Nizwa, the market of Bahla, the fort of Jibreen, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and the Wilayat of Al Hamra, as well as tours to North and South Al Sharqiyah. — ONA