Oman’s Ministry of Tourism conducted a roadshow in Kuwait on October 8, 2018 as part of its series of tours of its neighboring GCC states to promote the Sultanate as a world-class tourist hub in the region.
During the event held at the Sheraton Kuwait Hotel, a delegation from the Sultanate headed by Ministry officials consisted of senior representatives from several leading travel and tourism companies and hotel establishments. They attended workshops where they met with local travel and tourism firms and agencies to explore Oman’s hospitality features and famous tourist attractions.
The Ministry-organized road shows this year formed part of its core strategy to strengthen its partnership and cooperation with stakeholders. The roadshow also served as an important opportunity to introduce the latest developments, including the opening of new hotels this year, in Oman’s tourism industry. The Ministry also took the opportunity to promote Oman as an ideal venue for international conferences as well as the growing incentive tourism segment in the Sultanate.
The state-of-the-art Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, a multi-story concert theater that can accommodate up to 3,200 people on three floors, was recently inaugurated to attract international artists and exhibitors. The center is equipped with advanced show and simulation systems as well as modern audio systems. With its expansive halls, it is also a fitting venue for world-class orchestras, global meetings and conferences, and large events and trade shows.
“A number of Kuwaitis have already been going to Oman, particularly Salalah, to have an indelible travel experience and we hope to increase the current figures further through the roadshow. We have many exciting things to offer to all types of travelers all year round, making us one of the top exceptional tourist destinations for all occasions. The roadshows we held in Kuwait and other GCC member states were designed to attract more tourists from our neighbors in line with the Sultanate’s 2040 target of 11 million visitors. We are confident that we are going to meet our objectives as we further intensify our campaigns and based on the overwhelming response to our events,” said Haitham Al Ghassani, Assistant Director General of Promotion for Events & Tourism Awareness.
Oman has witnessed an increase in the influx of visitors from across the Gulf region as well as international countries. The Ministry aims to raise more awareness about Oman’s beauty among Kuwaitis by providing them with a full authentic Omani experience.
Kuwaiti tourists coming to the Khareef Salalah this year increased by three per cent by September 3, 2018. In 2017, the Sultanate attracted more than 1.59 million Gulf visitors and it is expected that the number will increase by the end of 2018.
The Sultanate boasts more than 21,000 hotel rooms to date. About more than 400 hotels, including new ones that opened from January to August 2018, are presently operating in the countryThese establishments include Muscat Plaza Hotel; Millennium Resort Salalah; Levatio Hotel Muscat; Fraser Suites Muscat; Kempinski Hotel Muscat; Alsalam Camp; and Al Dyafa Hotel Suites.