Tourism
From The Report: Oman 2016
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2015 proved a record year for Oman’s tourist industry, with the number of incoming visitors topping those of previous years and wide media coverage promoting the country’s increasingly cemented status as a niche tourism destination. The preservation of the country’s natural surroundings and cultural traditions has allowed it to keep much of the spirit of “Old Arabia”, and indeed tourism has been deliberately kept at the high end, with marketing aimed at visitors who are interested in engaging with local culture, nature and history. Meanwhile, various developments look set to bolster the sector moving forward, with the ongoing expansion of Muscat International Airport a prime example. A new terminal is currently under construction which will boast an expected capacity of 12m passengers per annum, with further capacity to accommodate four times that number in the future. This chapter contains and interview with Ali Al Rasbi, Acting CEO, Omran.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Rising star: The announcement of a new long-term tourism strategy crowns a pivotal year for the sector
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The year 2015 unfolded as a banner one for tourism in Oman. Record visitor numbers and media coverage are tokens of the rising star of tourism in the sultanate, which is seeking to outgrow its status as niche luxury destination. While there are clear benefits to this development in terms of employment, tourism revenues and the sultanate’s international profile, it also makes this a time of key decisions in terms of the sector’s future. Cognisant of this, the Omani government is finalising the…

Interview

Opening up: OBG talks to Ali Al Rasbi, Acting CEO, Omran
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Interview:Ali Al Rasbi What criteria must be met to build the core infrastructure to support tourism as an major driver? ALI AL RASBI: The continued expansion of tourism infrastructure represents one of Oman’s key focus areas, as it is essential that we continue the drive to diversify the economy, especially now with oil prices where they are. Tourism is one of the obvious choices to focus growth around, not only because of the country’s natural beauty, but also because of its potential…

Analysis

Statement of intent: The construction of a flagship convention centre heralds the country’s arrival on the world MICE stage
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With the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) due to open in 2016, the sultanate is taking a major step forward in establishing its position on the regional and global map for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Oman lies within seven hours flying time of around 50% of the world’s population, a geographical advantage that MICE professionals in the sultanate hope to leverage. New Beginnings While historically the MICE segment has tended to be dominated by European…

Analysis

Beyond luxury: Oman has developed into a destination for high-end travellers who want more than just luxury
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Whether it is a night deep in the Wahiba Sands in a fully air-conditioned tent, complete with en suite bathroom and minibar, or an ocean-view penthouse overlooking a secluded, private beach, Oman has a wide range of options for the luxury traveller. The sultanate has traditionally focused its tourism efforts on the high-end market, and prices for visiting and staying in Oman have generally been higher than in many neighbouring destinations. As recently as 2011, Oman was ranked the most expensive…

Analysis

Running the numbers: Longer, more frequent stays drive inbound revenues
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A steady increase in arrival numbers is demonstrating growth in Oman’s tourism industry, according to a new report from the country’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The government has identified tourism as a sector with strong potential for, and a key source of jobs, for Omani nationals. “We plan to focus on developing tourism capacity with added local value across the sultanate,” Maitha Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), told OBG. “Armed…