Oman looks to 2040 with absolute hopefulness and firm objectives to be incorporated via strategic development and established plan which targets on the endorsement of the territory, the high quality of accommodation facilities, the culture of hospitality, and the legitimacy of the meeting with the locals.
This was stated by Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism of Oman, during first stage of the roadshow that was arranged on Friday in Rome, Italy.
Thrilled by the excellent results attained in terms of the Italian market, which in the first half of this year experienced an increase of over 100% in comparison to the last year with 45,064 visitors from Italy, Oman selected to include 2 opportunities to meet with the trade targeting the diversification related to the travel opportunities in the various seasons and on the promotion of the development plans that the Sultanate is incorporating. Currently, Italy ranks third in the European contributing market for Oman, followed by Germany and the UK. The forecast is to close 2018 or about 70,000 Italian tourists.
“The construction of a destination’s brand requires time, funds, and a long-term commitment,” said Minister Al Mahrizi. In the coming 25 years, the Sultanate hopes to increase tourism impact from 8 to 12 times that of today, bringing benefits to the different financial sectors: over 500,000 jobs by 2040 and investments amounting to 19 million OMR (approximately 43 billion euros).
As per the Oman Tourism Strategy 2040, the new investments will assist to place Oman among the main leisure and business destinations of the Gulf and to draw 12 million international tourists.
The goal is to develop tourism while preserving the identity of the nation, its culture, architecture, and natural resources. “We are creating new formulas of hospitality in places that allow tourists to meet with our people, but we also offer state-of-the-art facilities or business facilities, such as the brand-new 22,000-square-meter convention center,” Minister Al Mahrizi said.
