Dhofar Municipality expands khareef activities to attract more visitors

Dhofar Municipality announced on Monday the extension of tourist activities in the governorate throughout the threemonth khareef season - June 21 to September 21 – as opposed to one month earlier.

The decision, announced during a press conference at Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, aims to bolster tourism in the region by providing an extended window for visitors to enjoy khareef in Dhofar.

Dr Ahmed Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, informed of the civic body’s ambition to surpass last year's tourist numbers by at least 300,000 in 2024.

Notably, 2023 khareef attracted nearly a million tourists. "This extension in tourist activities, a collaborative effort between the municipality and relevant authorities, seeks to maximise tourist engagement and raise hotel occupancy across the governorate. By prolonging the tourist activities, organisers aspire to create a more immersive and enriching experience for both local and international guests, thereby further promoting Dhofar's unique cultural and natural attractions," Ghassani said.

H E Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that Oman’s participation in Arabian Travel Market 2024 includes 36 tourism institutions – both public and private sector entities - as well as several small and medium enterprises. “The aim is to enhance joint cooperation with various international companies and institutions in the field, which would increase the number of tourists to the sultanate.”

He informed that several tourist activities and events that take place in the sultanate will be promoted at Arabian Travel Market, such as the khareef season in Dhofar and elevation of Sur as Arab Tourism Capital 2024.

Dhofar Municipality aims to surpass last year’s tourist numbers by at least 300,000 in 2024

DR AHMED MOHSEN AL GHASSANI