Oman hopes to attract more tourists

DUBAI: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism organised a workshop in Dubai on Thursday for tourism sector partners from Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The workshop was aimed at highlighting the Sultanate’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai through the encapsulation of the country’s civilisation throughout the history.

It also underscores the achievements made during the Renewed Renaissance period led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, as well as the country’s future outlooks.

Maithaa bint Saif al Mahrouqiyah, Tourism Undersecretary, in a speech on the occasion, spoke about the salient features of the Omani pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. She affirmed the Sultanate’s readiness to constitute an active component of this global event.

“Oman strives to make known its strategic projects and initiatives set for Oman Vision 2040,” said Maithaa.

To boost the tourism activity, the Sultanate recently exempted the citizens of 103 countries from visas to enter the Sultanate for a period of residency lasting up to 10 days, said Maithaa, adding that travel and tourism agencies and organisations from around the world welcomed the visafree move which, they said, will contribute to a better flow of tourists into the Sultanate.

Oman will join another 192 countries and regional and international organisations taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai, which takes the motto “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

The design of Oman’s pavilion at the expo derives inspiration from the frankincense tree, which played a leading role in Omani trade with civilisations of the Ancient World. This design epitomises the Tale of Oman throughout history.