BERLIN: The Sultanate of Oman received a record-breaking 4 million visitors, up from 2.9 million in 2022, a rise of almost 38 per cent including 231,000 of these visitors were from Germany – up 182 per cent on the previous year.
This was stated by Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, at a press conference held here on Monday, prior to the kick off of ITB Berlin.
He underscored Oman’s keenness to give a window at ITB Berlin into the rich variety of incredible experiences available for the visitor to its shores throughout the year.
Al Busaidy said that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism focuses on creating an environment where tourism can flourish and grow. This, he said, is achieved through streamlining visa application processes and easing visa restrictions for citizens of over 100 countries, as well as investing in infrastructure and attractions.
He further added: “In fact, we have ambitious plans for our tourism sector, with over $5.9 billion of investment currently funnelled into over 360 projects. We lay emphasis on Oman’s 2050 Net-Zero target, sustainable practices and our responsibilities to future generations, these range from hotel accommodation and resorts to the preservation of heritage sites and historical monuments."
He pointed out that a total investment of $31 billion is targeted by 2040.
Speaking on the occasion, Haitham bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director-General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, affirmed that Oman has completed all arrangements to participate in the ITB Berlin Convention 2024. The ministry on Sunday concluded the last preparatory rehearsals for the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony includes a set of performances, with the participation of the Royal Symphony Orchestra and a group of Omani artists and Omani folklore groups. The performances include scenes that demonstrate the Sultanate of Oman’s tourism features.
Al Ghassani pointed out that the ministry also completed preparations related to the Omani pavilion, which will showcase the exhibits of 70 government and private sector establishments in an area of 800 square metres. This is in addition to two additional galleries for promoting adventure tourism and the culinary skills most common in Oman, he added.
During 2023, the Sultanate of Oman saw a rise in the number of inbound tourists - 4 million tourists by 2023, compared to 3.5 million in 2019.
“Through our participation in ITB Berlin 2024, we aim to attract more tourists during the upcoming period. This calls for more efforts from all participants at the Omani pavilion”, said Al Ghassani.
He added that the ITB Berlin Convention is one of the largest international extravaganzas, in which 160 countries are participating this year. He said that the exhibition offers a good opportunity to promote the tourism and investment potential of Oman.
The ministry is keen to have Oman-based tourism partners and developers meet their international counterparts and consider means of promoting the existing projects in Oman. - ONA
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