Musandam: Oman’s northernmost peninsula is all set to begin its activities for the third edition of Musandam Winter, which is expected to bring together Musandam’s breathtaking landscape and rich heritage with a variety of exciting activities.
Earlier, the Governor of Musandam signed a series of agreements with multiple organisations and companies, officially kick-starting the preparation for this year’s festival and positioning Musandam as a premier tourist destination.
Musandam’s officials are confident that with the right partnerships, the festival can become a key driver of economic growth in the region. Elevating Musandam’s profile as a tourist destination is also the public transportation.
The activities lined up for the third edition are eight events: Musandam and Sea Festival, Gulf Boat Race, Musandam Winter Youth Award, Luxury Car Tour and Exhibition, photography exhibition—Musandam Through History, Second Mountain Walk—Khasab Province, and the second edition of Musandam Winter Entertainment Festival.
The governorate has been working to invest in its tourism infrastructure by addressing community engagement and participation, capacity, and expertise, as well as sustainability and impact measurement.
O Taxi is partnering with the festival, bringing ease in transportation.
Harith Khamis al Maqbali, CEO, O Taxi, explained that they are going to be logistics and transportation partners. It means we will be helping in moving people around Musandam, such as receiving them at the airport and taking them to the festival locations. We are not just looking at transportation; we are also looking at creating activities like exploring towns in Musandam."
He said they have been thinking about the tourism sector for a while, but this is the opportunity they have been waiting for.
"We would like to see our experience in the controlled environment, and if we like it, we can do it all over Oman," he noted.
O Taxi now operates throughout Oman.
"From Musandam in the north to Dhofar in the south, passing through Al Buraimi, Duqm, Nizwa, Suhar, Muscat, and all the major cities," he explained, adding that there are more than 5,000 Omani Taxi drivers who are part of O Taxi working through the country.
This is one of many agreements that will come into operation as part of the public-private partnerships that will contribute to the promotion of Musandam's tourism potential.
Last year, Musandam Winter saw 138% growth in the number of visitors: 52 visiting cruise ships, more than 35,000 hotel visitors, new jobs, volunteers, SME participants, and local family businesses.
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