Dhofar Municipality to unveil upgraded ’Dhofar Seasons’ app
Published: 02:05 PM,May 29,2024 | EDITED : 06:05 PM,May 29,2024
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BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, MAY 29
Dhofar Municipality will launch today, May 30, 2024, an updated version of its tourism app aimed at enhancing the visitor experience for tourists during the upcoming 2024 Khareef tourism season. The launch will take place at COMEX 2024 under way at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Speaking to the Observer, Salim al Maalim, a software developer at the Municipality, shared that the updated app will include several new features. “After the success of the past version of the app with a total of over 50,000 downloads last year, we are coming up with many more features that can ease the experience for visitors.” One such update will allow for all kinds of bookings to be made on the app. Previously, visitors could only buy tickets for concerts, but the revised app will make it possible for other events to be incorporated onto the platform.
“Responding to user demand, we expanded the scope of online ticket purchases. This feature allows visitors to book tickets online and avoid waiting in lines,” said Al Maalim, noting that around 47,000 tickets were sold through the application.
Additionally, the app will include a live-stream of locations which will allow users to better plan their visits to these attractions. Highlighting the benefits of the live-streaming feature, Al Maalim said: 'With this feature, visitors – local and international - can get an idea of the place they plan to visit before actually travelling there.' Significantly, the live-streaming feature is integrated with the Salalah Smart City initiative, supported by modern technologies and cameras that cover key parts of the city.
Furthermore, the app now features an interactive map with places and events near the user’s location. The app also allows users to create itineraries, recommend attractions to visit and notify users about traffic jams, while suggesting alternative routes or places. It also provides spatial information with detailed spatial data to help visitors navigate the area.
Moreover, the app will provide continuous event updates in real-time on local events. Users can receive updates on new events throughout the season, keeping them informed of the latest happenings and changes, and also help them plan their activities more efficiently.
Dhofar attracts a large number of tourists every year during the Khareef season. The 2023 season highlighted Dhofar’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination. According to data from the National Center of Statistics and Information, visitor spending increased last year by 19.4% to reach RO 103 million, compared to RO 86 million in 2022.
With its new features, the updated ‘Dhofar Seasons’ app is set to significantly improve the travel experience for tourists, making it easier to enjoy the attractions of the Dhofar Governorate, the software developer added.
MUSCAT, MAY 29
Dhofar Municipality will launch today, May 30, 2024, an updated version of its tourism app aimed at enhancing the visitor experience for tourists during the upcoming 2024 Khareef tourism season. The launch will take place at COMEX 2024 under way at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Speaking to the Observer, Salim al Maalim, a software developer at the Municipality, shared that the updated app will include several new features. “After the success of the past version of the app with a total of over 50,000 downloads last year, we are coming up with many more features that can ease the experience for visitors.” One such update will allow for all kinds of bookings to be made on the app. Previously, visitors could only buy tickets for concerts, but the revised app will make it possible for other events to be incorporated onto the platform.
“Responding to user demand, we expanded the scope of online ticket purchases. This feature allows visitors to book tickets online and avoid waiting in lines,” said Al Maalim, noting that around 47,000 tickets were sold through the application.
Additionally, the app will include a live-stream of locations which will allow users to better plan their visits to these attractions. Highlighting the benefits of the live-streaming feature, Al Maalim said: 'With this feature, visitors – local and international - can get an idea of the place they plan to visit before actually travelling there.' Significantly, the live-streaming feature is integrated with the Salalah Smart City initiative, supported by modern technologies and cameras that cover key parts of the city.
Furthermore, the app now features an interactive map with places and events near the user’s location. The app also allows users to create itineraries, recommend attractions to visit and notify users about traffic jams, while suggesting alternative routes or places. It also provides spatial information with detailed spatial data to help visitors navigate the area.
Moreover, the app will provide continuous event updates in real-time on local events. Users can receive updates on new events throughout the season, keeping them informed of the latest happenings and changes, and also help them plan their activities more efficiently.
Dhofar attracts a large number of tourists every year during the Khareef season. The 2023 season highlighted Dhofar’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination. According to data from the National Center of Statistics and Information, visitor spending increased last year by 19.4% to reach RO 103 million, compared to RO 86 million in 2022.
With its new features, the updated ‘Dhofar Seasons’ app is set to significantly improve the travel experience for tourists, making it easier to enjoy the attractions of the Dhofar Governorate, the software developer added.