Muscat The cultural and heritage capital of Middle East
The second edition of Oman tourism forum organised by Horwath HTL took place at Crowne Plaza Muscat under the patronage of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The forum was presided over by H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The forum discussed at length the global trend in tourism, the valuation models and trends in Omani hotel and tourism sector, unlocking the potential of water taxis in Muscat, and organising and setting up a biennale of arts to project Muscat as the Cultural and Heritage capital of the Middle East.
Welcoming the gathering, Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner at Crowe Oman - one of the leading auditing and advisory firms in the sultanate - said, “The tourism conference you are witnessing today is the culmination of the joint efforts of Crowe with the Tourism and Foreign Investment committees of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and the Indo Gulf Middleast Chamber of Commerce, India. We are gathered here to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Oman and explore the possibilities of polishing and showcasing it to the world. Last week, I read in the
The Big Tourism Research highlights that the Access, Accommodation, Amenities and Attractions known as the 4As of Tourism are the components that all tourism managers should consider in the development of a destination
newspapers the inauguration of Oman’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale, wherein five of the best artists of Oman are displaying their artwork. Next year, we should be able to bring Venice to Muscat creating the Muscat Biennale and giving great opportunity for thousands of our children, our youth, and our students to view and experience art in Muscat.”
“As stewards of Oman's cultural legacy, it is our responsibility to instill in the minds of our youth, a deep appreciation for the arts and traditions that define us. It is not enough to simply showcase our heritage; we must also actively engage with our youth, igniting in them a passion for creativity and expression. By integrating arts and culture into the fabric of our educational system, we empower our future leaders to become custodians of our heritage, ensuring its continuity for generations to come. Tourism, as a major driver of growth, is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all who journey through our land,” Davis added.
James Chappell, Global Director of Horwath Hotel, Tourism and Leisure Consulting, in his presentation on Global Tourism Update, emphasised on the development of tourism industry focused on amusement, theme parks, events and attractions.
He said, “The Big Tourism Research highlights that the Access, Accommodation, Amenities and Attractions known as the 4As of Tourism are the components that all tourism managers should consider in the development of a destination.
“The Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOS) or more commonly known as the Tourism Boards or Authorities, plays a significant and undeniable role in the development and promotion of a location as an attractive travel destination. The availability of budget airlines and budget accommodations can be a major catalyst to these efforts. The influence of social media on travel and tourism is undeniable and the question is how effectively the DMOS use this powerful tool to their advantage and properly strategize for successful brand promotion,” he added.