Frankincense Festival draws 10,000 visitors as Dhofar welcomes cruise ship boost
Published: 02:12 PM,Dec 09,2023 | EDITED : 06:12 PM,Dec 09,2023
Samahram historical sites
SALALAH: The 2023 Frankincense Season has concluded, leaving behind a legacy of cultural celebration, while buoying economic activity. More than 10,000 visitors flocked to the historical sites of Al-Baleed and Samahram to immerse themselves in the unique world of frankincense, a precious resin revered for centuries.
The festival pulsed with vibrant energy as visitors engaged in a diverse array of activities. Traditional competitions showcased the skills of local artisans in frankincense sorting and dance, while informative workshops and interactive exhibits deepened visitors' understanding of frankincense's rich history, cultivation, and diverse uses.
The festival's global appeal was evident in the multitude of international visitors who joined the celebration, further solidifying the Frankincense Season's status as a major cultural event on the world stage.
Beyond cultural immersion, the festival also served as a catalyst for economic growth. Local communities benefited from increased tourism and sales of handcrafted souvenirs, injecting a much-needed boost into the local economy. This success underscores the potential of cultural heritage to drive sustainable development and empower local communities.
Winter tourism Takes Off
Meanwhile, Dhofar's winter tourism season has already welcomed 11 cruise ships carrying over 50,000 passengers since its start on October 25. This influx of visitors signifies a promising start to the season, highlighting Dhofar's growing popularity as a winter destination.
The winter tourism season in Dhofar Governorate runs from October to the end of April and attracts tourists from all over the world. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is intensifying its efforts and campaigns to promote tourism in the governorate during this period.
The number of direct flights from European markets to Salalah Airport has reached 478 so far, in addition to 30 cruise and cruise ship voyages. The Ministry has also organized and supported over 60 local, regional, and international events to promote the governorate and its tourism.
Year-round destination
Dhofar Governorate experiences two annual tourist seasons: the winter tourism season, which runs from October to the end of April each year and attracts European tourists, and the khareef (autumn) tourism season, which runs from June to September each year and targets domestic, Gulf, and Arab tourism.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is committed to promoting Dhofar Governorate as a premier tourist destination. It is investing in infrastructure and tourism products to attract more visitors and boost the economy of the governorate.
The successful conclusion of the Frankincense Season and the promising start of the winter tourism season highlight Dhofar's potential as a vibrant travel destination throughout the year. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and growing tourism infrastructure, Dhofar is poised to continue captivating visitors from around the world.
The festival pulsed with vibrant energy as visitors engaged in a diverse array of activities. Traditional competitions showcased the skills of local artisans in frankincense sorting and dance, while informative workshops and interactive exhibits deepened visitors' understanding of frankincense's rich history, cultivation, and diverse uses.
The festival's global appeal was evident in the multitude of international visitors who joined the celebration, further solidifying the Frankincense Season's status as a major cultural event on the world stage.
Beyond cultural immersion, the festival also served as a catalyst for economic growth. Local communities benefited from increased tourism and sales of handcrafted souvenirs, injecting a much-needed boost into the local economy. This success underscores the potential of cultural heritage to drive sustainable development and empower local communities.
Winter tourism Takes Off
Meanwhile, Dhofar's winter tourism season has already welcomed 11 cruise ships carrying over 50,000 passengers since its start on October 25. This influx of visitors signifies a promising start to the season, highlighting Dhofar's growing popularity as a winter destination.
The winter tourism season in Dhofar Governorate runs from October to the end of April and attracts tourists from all over the world. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is intensifying its efforts and campaigns to promote tourism in the governorate during this period.
The number of direct flights from European markets to Salalah Airport has reached 478 so far, in addition to 30 cruise and cruise ship voyages. The Ministry has also organized and supported over 60 local, regional, and international events to promote the governorate and its tourism.
Year-round destination
Dhofar Governorate experiences two annual tourist seasons: the winter tourism season, which runs from October to the end of April each year and attracts European tourists, and the khareef (autumn) tourism season, which runs from June to September each year and targets domestic, Gulf, and Arab tourism.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is committed to promoting Dhofar Governorate as a premier tourist destination. It is investing in infrastructure and tourism products to attract more visitors and boost the economy of the governorate.
The successful conclusion of the Frankincense Season and the promising start of the winter tourism season highlight Dhofar's potential as a vibrant travel destination throughout the year. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and growing tourism infrastructure, Dhofar is poised to continue captivating visitors from around the world.