The Ministry of Tourism has developed innovative programmes to boost tourism in Dhofar and woo Europeans by opening more channels for them to learn out about the tourist spots across the country.
Haider Al Lawati -
haiderdawood@hotmail.com -
For Europeans, the region is one of the most popular tourist destinations during the season. The Sultanate is one of the Gulf States that many European tourists prefer to visit for various reasons. The characteristic elements as well as the environment that Oman possesses attracts foreign tourists.
Although the number of Gulf tourists to Oman during winter is low, especially to the Dhofar Governorate, we find a lot of tourists from Europe, especially those from Germany. They prefer to spend time in the region, which has a mild, warm climate during this time.
The Ministry of Tourism has developed innovative programmes to boost tourism in Dhofar and woo Europeans by opening more channels for them to learn out about the tourist spots across the country.
Tourists would like to explore the beautiful terrain, including beaches, mountains, valleys and falaj. Some would like to try out diving, mountain-climbing or learn about the different types of trees and flowers growing in the mountains.
The Sultanate has received a number of foreign delegations in the past that have discussed with the local authorities, enhancement of cooperation in tourism and other tourism-related matters. Tourism has been a key subject of bilateral relations at such meetings.
Oman-German Joint Committee recently discussed tourism as part of the existing relations between the two countries. The country has received a large number of German tourists and those from other European nations, besides Scandinavian countries, in the last decade.
Tourist traffic is growing, thanks to the tourism authorities and the private sector participating in international tourism fairs such as Berlin International Tourism Fair and London International Tourism and other such exhibitions.
Through such activities, the Ministry of Tourism and other tourism agencies have been showcasing tourist attractions of the country. Their efforts to promote and market tourism has resulted in many Europeans visiting Oman for both tourism and adventure. These exhibitions are a great opportunity for Oman’s private sector to showcase its services.
Such gatherings have led to Oman’s tourism institutions signing pacts with similar institutions in European countries to promote Oman’s tourism. For instance, an agreement was signed with Italy’s Moriah company for making regular trips to Oman, especially to Dhofar.
Such steps are in line with the Ministry of Tourism’s strategy, and they enable tourism sector to expand further.
According to data available, the number of European tourists to Dhofar reached 35,647 tourists via 191 direct flights. The number of German tourists was 24,212, in addition to 7,739 tourists from Italy and 2,200 from Poland. Oman also had tourists from Sweden, Czech Republic and Slovakia, among others.
Winter is one of the top tourist seasons for Dhofar, which receives a huge number of visitors from Europe. This is the right time to attract foreign tourists and enable them to learn more about the country.
In this regard, it’s important that private sector bolsters its efforts to contribute to the tourism infrastructure and fund new initiatives to support and advance the tourism sector.
This will enable the sector to become a “real tributary” in the economic diversification policy and support tourism revenues by offering activities that help in sustaining the sector throughout the year.
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