OF ITS JOURNEY TOWARDS ESTABLISHING ITSELF AS A MUST-VISIT TOURIST DESTINATION.
Oman is among the 10 best countries in the world for tourists, supported Konstantin Zeuke, general manager, Kempinski Hotel The Wave Muscat, saying that the Sultanate is known for its stunning beaches, mountains, as well as its culture and heritage.
These are the main reasons why holiday-makers are travelling to the country; to explore its nature and enjoy a relaxing vacation on the seaside, visit the turtles or ride a camel, added Zeuke.
Despite all the attractive hotspots, Oman still does not get the attention it deserves, Zeuke explained.
“Tourism and hospitality have long existed in Oman but are still not explored to the fullest and are yet to be recognised as vital growth [sectors]. Oman has increased its annual [tourism] growth rate from six to eight percent.”
With 2.02 million travellers expected to have visited the destination in 2015, the industry’s direct contribution to the national GDP in the same year was estimated by the World Travel & Tourism Council at 5.8 percent.
Meanwhile, Oman remains heavily dependent on its deteriorating oil resources.
As Joe Swarup, operations manager, Meeting Point Tourism Oman, suggested, “Because of declining reserves and a rapidly growing population, the government has actively pursued a development plan that focusses on diversification, industrialisation, and privatisation, with the objective of reducing the oil sector’s contribution to GDP to nine percent by 2020 and creating more jobs to employ a rising numbers of Omanis entering the workforce.”
As he further divulged, tourism and gas-based industries have now become key components of the government’s diversification strategy.
THE SCENT OF FRANKINCENSE
“In this graceful, ancient city – which lies on the Gulf of Oman and is framed by craggy, vertiginous rock formations – the air is smoky with the scent of frankincense, men wear white robes and women jewelled gowns, and few high-rises disturb a dreamlike vista of white-painted villas, medieval fortresses, elegant palaces, and gold-domed mosques,” said Swarup, giving a vivid description of Muscat and throwing the spotlight on a unique culture which lures in a variety of tourists to the capital.
“Authenticity is key in our industry and in our destination and we strive to protect and share our rich Omani heritage, in line with the ministry’s recent announcements and strategy,” corroborated Rami Farhat, director of sales and marketing, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
A similar strategy is followed by Six Senses Zighy Bay.
“Oman’s travel scene is [dominated by] a focus on cultural and scenic destinations, something that we have tapped into.
We work closely with the Ministry of Tourism to make sure that we get an update on where the direction [is heading to], as in the end, we need to first promote Oman as an entry point,” insisted Jad Frem, director of sales and marketing, Six Senses Zighy Bay.
Swarup attributed this coordinated effort to the fact that the country is still ruled by a sultan, who has modernised Oman while still maintaining its status as one of the most stable destinations in the region without compromising on the authentic charm of a ravishing culture.
He added that the Sultanate has slowly opened up to tourists, following a recent burst of developments.
Moreover, according to Francois Gagner, travel consultant, Muscat Desert Adventures, culture combined with nature is one of Oman’s strong cards.
“Oman has an old tradition and witnesses what is the real deep Arabia; hospitality and wonderful landscapes in proximity. Unlike neighbouring Dubai, Muscat for instance wants to preserve its authentic Arabic culture.
The city is growing with this state of mind and offers typical architecture you cannot find in other places. In addition, Oman remains an exclusive destination, far from mass tourism,” he analysed.
