Tourism is becoming a gradually more popular a way to boost economic growth in developing countries, and Oman has significant potential for becoming a major global tourist destination. Oman has been cautious in opening its doors to mass tourism mainly because the government is looking to attract certain types of tourists that will be compatible with what the country has to offer. Although Oman is not for everyone, it is certain to charm those with an eye for natural beauty and an interest in Arabic tradition of one of the oldest states on the Arabian Peninsula.
Oman is rich in natural assets and cultural heritage and the country provides an attractive and safe destination for tourists. With features such as wildlife, cultural heritage including UNESCO listed forts, an extensive coastline with spectacular sandy beaches, sunny hot climate, variety of water sports and recreation and unique archaeological sites of world significance, Oman is poised to be launched as an attractive international tourism destination.
Usama Bin Karim Al Haremi, Oman Air Corporate Communications and Media Department, said that the airline is an important strategic partner and will have a significant role in making things happen. The government promotes tourism, consistent with its policy of economic diversification. Tourism can make substantial and sustainable contributions to economic growth. Tourism projects are aimed also at job creation for Omani nationals.
The vision for Oman's economy, up to the year 2020, envisages that within a stable macro-economic framework to be provided by the Omani Government, sustainable development would be achieved by relying on the private sector as the primary engine of growth. A diversified, dynamic and globalised economy is to be established through a strong, efficient and competitive private sector. The objectives for the tourism sector include the encouragement of the role and contribution of the private sector, the development of human resources within the sector and raising the percentage of Oman is in the labour force.
These aims have to be achieved keeping in view the fact that the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP has to eventually grow to 5 per cent by 2020. Al Haremi said that security and stability experienced by citizens, resident, visitors and tourists, ranks the Sultanate of Oman among the pioneers in advanced countries in this regard. This is one of the most significant factors of tourist attractions which Oman has and accordingly, the Sultanate of Oman is all set to grow to be of a global tourist destination with its traditional favorites and the spirit of tolerance of Omani citizens.
Al Haremi affirmed that Oman Air will continue to promote unique Oman tourism opportunities that are not likely to be found anywhere else.
The tourism sector is the largest foreign exchange earning sector, and the Government realizes many enormous tasks cannot be done on their own and has therefore, given a greater responsibility to the private sector and is encouraging public-private sector partnerships as well as foreign investments. The higher management apprehends that this is a crucial step if we hope to boost Oman image considerably and follow through with the Sultanate Tourism Master Plan, which will benefit the economy. The airline is to work closely with the government to promote tourism. The effects of the tourism sector on regional economies have proven to be paramount and have positively driven employment and income levels in the region.
Home of Sindbad the Sailor and dubbed as the Gulf's Favourite getaway, Oman delights with its blend of modern elegance and historic charm of a seafaring nation.
Mysterious, yet alluring, distinctive, yet diverse, old-worldly yet modern. This sums up the characteristics of the Sultanate of Oman. Oman stands out in terms of breathtaking wadis, idyllic fjords, surreal beaches, spectacular craggy mountains, underwater wonders, bewitching desertscape, besides the archaeological wonders. Little wonder then premier travel magazines and international TV shows have projected Oman as a hot destination. Leading the list of publications is the www.concierge.com, the online destination for Conde Nast Traveller, which named Oman in its recently released annual "list of the 10 must-visit destinations for 2008".
Encouraged by the upswing in tourist traffic, Oman's tourism authorities are now mounting a multi-pronged drive to woo travellers in significant numbers to the Sultanate. The Oman Economic Vision-2020 calls for increasing the relative share of the tourism sector to three per cent of GDP from the current one per cent. Central to this goal is a plan to diversify the tourism product to include opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism. It is an ambitious strategy designed to double tourist arrivals and the size of the tourism economy by 2010.
The Muscat International Airport handled about 5 million passengers in 2007 and when the new facilities are fully complete, the capacity will increase to 12 million. Airports are also planned in other tourist destinations like Sohar and Ras al Hadd. With many new developments in the pipeline, some already underway, including the Wave, The Blue City, The Yeti Beach project Muriya, Golf courses, Oman has made an ambitious start on realization of its long-term tourism strategy.
2008 was a good year for Oman too, he further conforms. Travel experts, media outlets, and specialised websites as well, recommended Oman as a hot destination for 2008. To name but just a few. Al Haremi recalled Vogue's Oracle 2008, where Oman was exclusively listed being The Destination for 2008. "A shining new alternative to Dubai, the state of Oman attracts eco-tourists with its lush wadis, diverse markets, and rich culture. Unlike its better-known neighbour, it is relatively undiscovered, with a wonderful climate during our winter, glorious mountains, spectacular deserts, medieval cities and a thousand-odd miles of seaside.
The list goes on and on, but each and every one seem to be in agreement, that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has in fact turned the "Jewel Of Arabia", as often described by writers, into a safe modern travel destination, combining the traditional values of an ancient and rich civilisation with the attractions of up-to-date luxury." Al Haremi said in conclusion.
Dr. Hussein Shehadeh
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