As the winter tourism season in Dhofar came to an end with the latest charter flying back from Salalah only two days back, the governorate witnessed an impressive increase in the number of winter tourists from many parts of the world.
According to sources in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Governorate attracted 65,904 winter tourists in 469 chartered flights till April this year.
Going by the ministry’s records, the governorate registered an increase of 18.4 per cent in the number of winter tourists from the beginning of the season in October to February this year with 35,000 visitors.
An additional 30,904 winter tourists arrived at the Salalah International Airport between February and April.
Confirming the trend, Mehmet Tunc Mustecaplioglu, Area General Manager of Orascom Hotels Management of Oman, said, the properties at the Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) witnessed overall 95 per cent winter occupancy. It showed a 10 per cent increase in room occupancy and inventory during the season.
An elated Mehmet Tunc said there would be far better services and facilities for the winter tourists in coming years, as the property is going through many value additions.
The Integrated Tourism Complex, according to him, hosted the tourists from 90 per cent of the winter charters that arrived in Salalah.
The charter operators for Salalah winter destination included, Meeting point (Germany); FTI (Germany); Itaka (Poland); Fischer Czech Republic; Satur (Slovakia); Hydro Tour (Slovakia); Alpi Tour (Italy); Der Turistik (Eastern Europe – Romania) and Ibusz (Hungary).
To meet the rising demand for rooms in Dhofar more than 20 prospects have been identified in the governorate for new four and five-star hotel projects. The goal is to increase the total number of hotel rooms from 6,000 to 7,000 by the end of the year.
To enhance Dhofar's appeal as a premier tourist destination, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is crafting a promotion strategy targeting both Gulf and international markets. Upcoming events such as the Frankincense Season, the Empty Quarter Festival, and the Omani Culinary Arts Festival are expected to attract a diverse range of visitors, showcasing the governorate's rich cultural and natural heritage.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
