GDP from tourism set to double
Sept. 25: The direct contribution of tourism sector to Oman’s GDP is expected to double and reach 4.2 per cent by 2020. Currently, the contribution stands at 2 per cent.
“The Sultanate seeks to raise the contribution of the 0Th tourism sector in GDP by attracting a large number of visitors from new and diverse markets,” the Ministry of Tourism said on the occasion of World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27.
The sector witnessed a significant increase in the growth in key indicators, including value-added GDP. The number of tourists is expected to go beyond two-and-a-half million, providing thousands of jobs.
Oman’s tourism industry generated 111,500 jobs in 2015. This is expected to increase by 4.4 per cent in 2016 and rise 3.5 per annum to reach 164,000 jobs in 2026.
“In order to increase its contribution to the economy, the government has been adopting new strategies to review everything related to attracting tourism investments, overcoming obstacles and facilitating procedures to such investments,” the ministry said.
There are 39 projects in various stages of design, construction or tendering, including Oman Exhibition and Convention Centre, Wadi Bani Habib and the Al Hoota Cave, the Duqm frontier town and Ras Al Hadd development.
The country’s emphasis on archaeology, conservation and natural beauty are key distinguishing factors from its neighbours.
As part of the Tourism Day, the Sultanate aims to promote awareness on the importance of tourism, and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
The celebrations include an open exhibition on Tuesday at the ministry’s theatre with the participation of several groups from the public and private sectors as well as staff and students of educational institutions, and employees of tourist companies.
These are in addition to organising a trip to the National Museum and the Royal Opera House Muscat for the ministry staff on October 5 and a trip for the elderly to the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum and Muttrah Souq on October 9, and a cruise to Bandar Al Khiran for people with special needs (blind) on October 13.