Business

Oman to host world's largest tourism exhibition

Under the slogan of this year's ITB Berlin opening ceremony “Beauty Has An Address” the stage is set for Oman.
 
Under the slogan of this year's ITB Berlin opening ceremony “Beauty Has An Address” the stage is set for Oman.
BERLIN: In official partnership with the Sultanate of Oman represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the events of the Berlin International Tourism Fair (ITB) 2024 will kick on Monday in the German capital, Berlin. The fair is considered the world's largest tourism exhibition and a platform for knowledge exchange and expanding business networks in the tourism industry, and it will last for several days.

This official partnership reaffirms Oman's plans to develop the tourism sector and enhance its position as a global tourist destination. It is an ideal opportunity to showcase Oman's tourism resources, products, services, and experiences, thereby contributing to tourism promotion and increasing the influx of more tourists from export markets, as well as promoting the diverse investment opportunities recommended by the Omani Tourism Strategy to contribute to achieving the investment targets of the tourism sector in the context of the goals of 'Oman 2040 Vision'.

It is expected that about 160 countries and 5,000 exhibitors will participate in the fair, attracting around 120,000 visitors from various countries around the world, as well as 7,000 representatives of global media and 1,500 travel bloggers from 35 countries to cover the fair.



Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, stated that this official partnership represents a milestone in enhancing Oman's position on the global tourism map, reflecting its commitment to expanding the base of international visitors. At the same time, Oman is working to diversify its tourism products, enhance economic activity through investment in the sector, and highlight Oman's unique strategic location, natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage; making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking unique and amazing experiences.

He added that Germany is an important tourist market for Oman and represents the largest European market for incoming tourists. In 2023, Oman welcomed over 231,363 tourists from Germany.

Moreover, Oman will be the official host country for the ITB 2024, where the host country enjoys a leading position in everything that happens during the fair.

It was emphasized that Oman's selection as an official partner of the ITB 2024 reflects the organizers' appreciation for Oman's continuous efforts to enhance the tourism sector and the positive steps it is witnessing, reflecting its importance in promoting growth and economic diversification that the government aspires to achieve.

On his part, Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, explained that Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Omani tourism sector institutions, is keen to participate annually in the Berlin fair. This is in recognition of the importance of this global tourism event in promoting its natural and cultural resources, distinctive tourist and cultural landmarks, and learning about the experiences of countries around the world in developing the tourism sector, as well as forging partnerships and direct working relationships between Omani tourism sector institutions and their counterparts from various countries worldwide. — ONA