Tag Archives: Ministry of Heritage and Tourism

Indian tourist arrivals in the Sultanate of Oman breached the half-million-mark last year, reaching 610,057 visitors—it is the highest recorded figure to this day. Oman’s hospitality has been a significant draw for Indian travellers, complemented by various factors fuelling its increasing popularity in India, including accessibility from all corners of the country, streamlined visa procedures, and availability of similar cultural influence. Highlighting the good relations shared by Oman and India, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, stated, “We are excited to witness the overwhelming response from the Indian travellers, thanks to Oman’s plethora of attractions, including its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality,” said Saada Abdullah Saif Al Harthi, Director, Business Development Department, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman. “This milestone reflects the collaboration between Oman and our Indian partners. We wish to strengthen the relations between Oman and India, boost Oman brand visibility and drive increase interest among premium luxury Indian travelers in the years to come.” Oman boasts a diverse array of jaw-dropping tourism attractions contributing to its appeal among Indian travellers. From forts to ancient ruins to the stunning natural landscapes encompassing deserts, mountains, and pristine beaches, Oman offers a captivating tapestry of experiences. They are the main reasons for the unprecedented surge of Indian tourist arrivals to Oman. Adventurous activities such as desert safaris, scuba diving, and trekking in the picturesque mountain ranges of Oman provide an opportunity for exploration and discovery. The colourful festivals and events held throughout the year offer detailed insights into the Sultanate’s vibrant traditions and heritage thereby enticing the Indian travellers to delve deeper into its wonders. The Sultanate’s appeal to Indian travellers lies …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman recently concluded its four-city India roadshow in Mumbai. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the travel trade. The roadshow commenced with Delhi on 24th July 2023 followed by the cities of Jaipur, Kolkata and in Mumbai. In attendance at the roadshow were 12 private players from Oman that include Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bahwan Tourism, Crown Plaza Muscat, DusitD2 Naseem Resort and Jabal Akhdar, Kempinski Hotel, Khimji’s House of Travel, Magic Travels, Sama Travel & Tourism, Tour Oman – Travel Point and Zahara Tours. The two airlines, Oman Air, the national carrier and Salam Air, the first low-cost carrier in the region also had key representatives present including the delegation from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The event, which saw a strong turnout, facilitated successful business interactions between the Indian travel trade and Oman Tourism officials. Agents displayed confidence in promoting Oman as a top-notch tourist destination, particularly for its natural wonders, rich culture, and thrilling adventure activities. Commenting on the roadshow, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman said: “The recent roadshow held in Delhi for Oman Tourism was a tremendous success, leaving us elated with the positive response. Our interactions with agents indicated a strong and enthusiastic dedication to promoting Oman as a top destination for their clients. India has always been a significant ally for Oman, not only in terms of tourism but also due to shared values between the two countries. We take pride in India maintaining its position as the second-highest contributor of tourist arrivals to Oman and eagerly anticipate the country reaching …

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is organizing an exclusive webinar titled, ‘The Ultimate Oman Leisure Itinerary’, today at 11:30 am. Register to get a chance to win a free trip to Oman. Contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, 9650196532.

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is organizing an exclusive webinar titled, ‘The Ultimate Oman Leisure Itinerary’ on 24 May 2023 at 11:30 am. Register to get a chance to win a free trip to Oman. Contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, 9560196532.

The Sultanate of Oman abounds with various underwater/submerged cultural heritage, which is witness to its role as an axis of the human civilizations since the early prehistoric periods. Since several ships, coastal human settlements and aircrafts containing collectibles with cultural and economic significance sunk in the Omani territorial waters, it prompted the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to establish a directorate for the underwater antiquities, the first unit of its kind in the GCC region. Ayyoub Nagmoush Al-Busaidi, Director, Directorate of the Underwater Submerged Antiquities, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), said, “The underwater archaeological sites and ships are a source of precious historical information as they contain antiquities of human existence. The archaeology aims to analyze the antiquities, identify the origins and the development of civilizations.”  “Underwater archaeology is a scientific discipline that deals with the studying sites, man-made objects, human remains, and submerged landscapes. This science should be placed within its broader framework of marine archaeology, which studies human relationships with oceans, lakes, and rivers, while complementing it with navigation,” he added. In 2012, the MHT has launched a program aiming to identify the resources and components of these antiquities, enumerating them, and determining their nature, and protecting them from illegal trade/natural factors, he added. The department is now working on formulating rules for protection, management, employment, conducting surveys, excavations, restoration, preserving, documenting archaeological sites, analyzing the results, and presenting them to the local and international community. It may be noted that Oman’s maritime history dated back to the 3 BC, when commercial activity flourished in Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley. After Omanis gained good expertise in navigation in the 18th century, Muscat emerged as one of …