Ministry targets to increase tourism sector’s share in GDP
The ministry has also said that its aims are more holistic than merely drawing in foreign tourism, also encompassing touristic, economic, social and environmental goals.
“The ministry’s goals include touristic goals such as catering to local tourism by focusing on entertainment options, working to connect multiple tourism projects so they can offer one unique experience, lengthening the stay of tourists by creating connected tourism projects across governorates. There are also economic goals, such as increasing the tourism sector’s share of the GDP, offering jobs for local communities and encouraging investment in the sector.
“There are also social goals, such as partnering with the community for the development of tourism and encouraging cooperation between companies. In terms of the environment, the ministry aims to have tourism companies that compete with one another in protecting the ecosystem and implementing sustainable development efforts that keep the environment safe,” the report added. Said Al Arafati, a tour guide catering to French tourists in Oman, said that one of the wonderful things about tourism in Oman is that there are different tourism seasons for different types of tourists.
Al Arafati told Times of Oman: “I cater to French tourists in Muscat and so most of my business is not in the summer for them. They want to see Muscat and explore the city and different areas in Oman.” “I would say that business booms for me in Decemeber, rather than in the summer. They want to flee the heat in the summer and want to stay away from especially cold winters in December and so they come to Muscat.”
Talking to Times of Oman, Daniel Ebo, Area Director of Sales and Marketing at InterContinental Hotels Group Oman, said that there has been an impact on occupancy at their hotels due to the boost in the number of toursists.
“The diversification of Oman’s economy has provided a boost in tourism. There is a great interest now in the country, especially with its beautiful natural resources and the world-known Omani hospitality. This has obviously had an impact on our hotel occupancy and revenue.”
“There has been more demand for both business and leisure tourism, especially in the peak season. The surge in tourism has greatly increased our focus on delivering a high-quality service and luxury facilities. Hence, we have embarked on a series of room enhancements.”
“The first phase has been completed and we are now on the second phase, which is expected to be completed by the end of October. It includes state of the art facilities, new technology and modern furnishings and it has received positive feedback from both our loyal and new guests,” Ebo said.