The Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism celebrated a resounding success in Jaipur as they accomplished their second city roadshow in India, captivating the Indian travel industry with overwhelming enthusiasm. The event garnered participation from over 90 travel agents, signifying the roadshow’s immense impact. The roadshow was graced by leading exhibitors, including Al Bustan Palace, Bahwan Tourism, Crowne Plaza Muscat, Dusitd2 Naseem Resort – Jabal Akhdar, Oman, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Khimji’s House of Travel, Magic Travels, Oman Air, Salam Air, Sama Travel & Tourism, Tour Oman – Travel Point, and Zahara Tours. This enthralling event captivated a distinguished audience comprising outbound travel agents, expert wedding planners, and adept MICE agents, adding an aura of spectacle and grandeur to the occasion. During the B2B meetings, the representatives of the Indian travel industry immersed themselves in engaging and productive business transactions with Oman Tourism authorities. The enchanting allure of Oman’s breathtaking natural beauty, coupled with its vibrant and culturally diverse heritage, along with the plethora of thrilling outdoor activities, left an indelible impression on the attendees. This resulted in a profound and resolute commitment among all participants to collaboratively promote Oman as one of the ideal travel destinations. Asma Al Hajry was keen to highlight how Oman’s diverse attractions, ranging from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, ancient forts, and vibrant souks, were captivating the hearts of travelers from India and beyond. The country’s warm hospitality, coupled with its commitment to preserving its traditions and heritage, has undoubtedly contributed to this surging popularity. With optimism and anticipation, Oman is gearing up to welcome more than 500,000 Indian tourists this year alone. This remarkable milestone is a testament to Oman’s increasing appeal …
Read More »Oman Tourism meets travel industry leaders in New Delhi to boost tourism potential
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, took a significant step towards promoting Oman as a preferred tourist destination for Indian travellers by organizing a lunch meeting with influential Indian tourism industry executives in New Delhi. The event was held in conjunction with a roadshow aimed at strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities. The Oman Tourism delegation had the privilege of meeting with seven prominent executives from India’s top travel companies, including Divya Khatri, Vice President, Partnership and Alliances at MakeMyTrip; Ashutosh Dwivedi, CEO, and Founder of Utazzo Services; Nutan Gupta, COO of Ease My Trip; Sanchit Chopra, Senior Vice President at Ease My Trip; Riaz Munshi, President of OTOAI and Managing Director of N Chirag Holidays; Romil Pant, Executive Vice President and Business Head of Thomas Cook India and Chirag Agarwal, Co- Founder – Travclan. Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, expressed her satisfaction with the luncheon, stating, “Our meeting with key executives from the Indian tourism trade in Delhi was highly beneficial. It provided an excellent platform for mutual understanding and collaboration. Our goal is to showcase Oman as an exceptional tourism destination for Indian tourists.” During the luncheon, officials engaged in fruitful discussions to enhance the number of Indian visitors traveling to Oman. Both parties explored potential avenues for collaboration, including various B2B and B2C activities within the tourism industry. The meeting also involved sharing market insights and analysing past visitor statistics to identify growth opportunities. The attendees actively addressed current competition and strategized ways to position Oman uniquely as the preferred tourist destination for Indian travellers. Oman Tourism took this opportunity to …
Read More »Oman Tourism’s India roadshow creates tourism boom with record-breaking visitor numbers
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, successfully launched its India roadshow in Delhi, marking the beginning of a four-city tour. The event witnessed overwhelming enthusiasm from the Indian travel industry, with over 170 travel agents attending the roadshow. The roadshow commenced in Delhi on July 24, 2023, followed by events in Jaipur, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The roadshow featured prominent exhibitors such as Al Bustan Palace, Bahwan Tourism, Crowne Plaza Muscat, Dusitd2 Naseem Resort – Jabal Akhdar, Oman, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Khimji’s House of Travel, Magic Travels, Oman Air, Salam Air, Sama Travel & Tourism, Tour Oman – Travel Point, and Zahara Tours. Attendees included outbound travel agents, wedding planners, and MICE agents. During the B2B meetings, representatives of the Indian travel industry engaged with Oman Tourism authorities in fruitful business transactions. The allure of Oman’s natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting outdoor activities led to a strong commitment to promoting Oman as a top travel destination. Asma Al Hajry, Deputy Director General of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, expressed her delight with the positive reaction to the roadshow. She highlighted the significant increase in Indian visitors to Oman, reaching a staggering 126% rise in April compared to the same month last year. Oman anticipates welcoming over 500,000 Indian tourists this year, demonstrating the growing appeal of the country as a tourist hotspot. The roadshow showcased a variety of engaging visitor experiences, including exhilarating off-road excursions, trips to ancient forts and castles, and the opportunity to immerse in genuine Omani rural life. Attendees were enthralled by the captivating story of the land of frankincense, offering a glimpse into the nation’s rich …
Read More »Oman Tourism kicks off India roadshow with successful Delhi event
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman recently concluded its first city in the four-city India roadshow in Delhi. 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, Mumbai, and Kolkata. 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 well-attended event had the Indian travel trade conduct successful business interactions with Oman Tourism officials. Agents were confident in promoting Oman as a tourist, especially for its nature, culture and 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 new heights in terms of visitor …
Read More »Oman to host an exciting 4-city roadshow in India
Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Heritage &Tourism is thrilled to announce its upcoming roadshow in India, showcasing the unparalleled beauty and cultural treasures of the country. This highly anticipated event will take place across four major cities in India, offering a unique opportunity for Indian travel professionals and enthusiasts to explore the diverse experiences that Oman has to offer. The roadshow aims to strengthen the existing ties between Oman and India and foster a greater understanding of Oman’s rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. It will take place from 24th to 31st July to and cover the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Mumbai. During the roadshow, participants will have the chance to engage with prominent Omani tourism stakeholders, including hotels, tour operators, airlines, and representatives from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. This will provide valuable insights into the various travel experiences available in Oman, from its stunning coastline, majestic mountains, and sprawling deserts to its vibrant souks, ancient forts, and captivating cultural traditions. The roadshow will feature engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and one-on-one meetings, creating an ideal platform for Indian travel professionals to nurture the existing relations and forge new business partnerships and collaborations with their Omani counterparts. Attendees can also expect to learn about the latest tourism developments, upcoming events, and special promotions that will make exploring Oman even more enticing. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is committed to promoting Oman as a year-round destination, offering something for every traveller, be it adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, history buffs, or those seeking luxurious retreats. This roadshow will highlight the diverse attractions and experiences that make Oman a truly unique and unforgettable destination. The Sultanate of Oman …
Read More »The Khareef season kicked off on 21st June at the Governorate of Dhofar
TheKhareef Dhofar season kicked off on Wednesday 21st June, and will continue till 21st September 2023. Khareef season is considered as one of the most important tourism seasons in the Sultanate of Oman, which, owing to exceptional weather gives the governorate of Dhofar a unique atmosphere. This uniqueness, along with multiple tourism elements, has created a diversity in the tourism products in all the cities of the Governorate of Dhofar. The preparation for Khareef season comes within the framework of the efforts made by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to enhance the tourism season and maximize their utilization to achieve the highest gains, in accordance with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Many tourism projects will also be inaugurated during this season. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is intensifying its efforts to enhance the tourism reputation of the Governorate of Dhofar as one of the best sustainable tourism destinations in the region, maximizing the richness of its tourism products to form unique and diverse experiences for visitors and tourists. The destination offers comprehensive tourism services that meet the requirements of all groups of visitors, including the availability of well-established accommodation services with 50 licensed hotel facilities boasting over 6000 rooms. The integration of the government efforts, the private sector, and the tourism sector partners in the Governorate of Dhofar, are working as a team to meet the needs of the visitors. Marwan bin Abdulhakim Al-Ghassani, Director of Promotion at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in the Governorate of Dhofar, said, “The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has set a plan to promote the Khareef Dhofar season and developed a marketing strategy for all its …
Read More »Oman an ideal summer tourism destination
Due to its enormous natural diversity, the Sultanate of Oman is considered as an attractive tourism destination throughout the year. In contrast, there are many cool places to visit in the Sultanate in the summer. Oman with its location near to the Arabian Sea boasts a spectacular green landscape. The summer in Oman is likely to witness a rise in travellers. These destinations include the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, including Jabal Al Akhdar and Jebel Shams, and Governorates of Dhofar, Ash Sharqiyah South, and Al Wusta. Raia bint Salem Al Maskeriyah, Assistant Director, Tourism Promotion and Marketing, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The summer tourism destinations are receiving attention from the ministry by promoting investments to encourage tourists’ to stay here for as long as possible.” There are many activities visitors can do during the summer, such as picnicking on the beaches, experiencing sailing, watching many flocks of birds, fishing, sailing through small boats in the mangrove forests, visiting the rock garden in Duqm, or practicing surfing and camping activities. In Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the temperature is 15°C cooler, compared to all major cities in Gulf as it is situated 2,000 meters above sea level. AlilaJabal Al Akhdar Resort officials stated, “It is the perfect destination to beat the heat and we aim not to deprive guests from the ‘Summer Fun’. The peaks of Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah beaches and the well-equipped tourist facilities welcome the summer with expectations of an increase in the number of travellers. The upcoming Khareef season and related events in Dhofar will bring more tourists to the governorate. There are many places to go to in Dhofar. Tourists can visit the shops …
Read More »Discover the enchanting charms of Oman
Whenever we think about the Middle East, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is desert. But the Middle East is more than just deserts, for the ignorant. If you are wanting to plan an experiential journey for your next trip, you should surely go to Sultanate of Oman, an ideal holiday destination, that has many things to offer to travellers, deserts, mountains, beaches, forts, souqs, the list is endless. Here are the top experiential things: Wahiba Sands Desert camping: Experience the thrill of spending a night in the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands desert, where you can witness stunning sunsets, go dune bashing, and immerse yourself in the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. Wadi Bani Khalid Adventure: Discover the beauty of Oman’s wadis, with Wadi Bani Khalid being a standout choice. Trek through the rugged terrain, swim in crystal-clear pools, and marvel at the lush oasis surrounded by towering cliffs. Muscat Souq exploration: Get lost in the bustling markets of Muscat, such as Mutrah Souq, where one can browse through a wide array of traditional handicrafts, exquisite jewellery, aromatic spices, and vibrant textiles. Hiking in Jebel Shams: Embark on an exhilarating hike in Jebel Shams or Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, known as the ‘Mountain of the Sun’ in Arabic. Explore the scenic trails, witness breathtaking vistas, and visit the dramatic Grand Canyon of Oman. Dolphin watching in Musandam: Cruise along the picturesque coastline of Musandam and witness playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat. This captivating experience allows you to witness the beauty of the Arabian Sea and its marine life. Fort exploration: Discover Oman’s rich history by exploring its ancient forts, such as Nizwa Fort, Jabreen Castle, and …
Read More »Sultanate of Oman celebrates International Museum Day
Represented by The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Sultanate of Oman celebrated the International Museum Day on 18 May 2023. This year, the celebration commenced under the theme ‘Museums, Sustainability and Well-being’. The International Council of Museums announced the theme to highlight the potential of museums across the world. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is striving to activate the role of museums in promoting knowledge and sciences among researchers and visitors that contribute to achieve many of the strategic programs of the Tenth Development Plan and the Oman Vision 2040. She said, “This year, it has been decided to focus on the following goals. The first goal is to strengthen the global health and well-being, ensure a healthy life and promote well-being for people of all ages. The second goal is to take steps to combat climate change and its affects and adopt low-carbon practices in the northern region countries and adopt mitigation strategies in the southern region countries. The third goal is to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and raise the voices of indigenous leaders and biodiversity loss.” Riya bint Mohammed Al Kindi, Director General, Museums, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said, “The celebration of this day was approved by the International Council of Museums in 1977 for strengthening awareness that museums are important institutions for cultural exchange, enriching cultures, and developing mutual understanding.” She said, “The museums, which are attracting several visitors, preserve cultural heritage, ensure its sustainability in creating direct and indirect job opportunities, promote local content, and dedicate its role as one of the tourist destinations. According to the official statistics issued in 2021, 115,255 thousand visitors visited the government …
Read More »Indian arrivals to Oman soar to an all-time high in January
We are thrilled to announce that the number of Indian arrivals to Oman in January 2023 has crossed 40,000, marking the highest ever in the past 15 years. This record is a testament to the growing popularity of Oman as a tourist destination among Indians. The surge in Indian arrivals to Oman can be attributed to a variety of factors, including its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and world-class infrastructure. Oman has been investing heavily in promoting tourism and has been attracting visitors from all over the world. Oman Tourism has undertaken a plethora of activities to promote tourism, such as conducting five-city roadshows and a four-city sales mission in India and collaborating with trade partners to jointly promote tourism and advertising through various media channels. The increase in Indian visitors to Oman is an indication of the growing preference for the Sultanate as a travel destination among Indians. To enhance its presence in the Indian market, Oman Tourism will sustain and expand its promotional efforts. This year, the tourism board will continue promoting Oman to B2B and B2C partners through joint cooperations, sales missions, FAM trips, and roadshows. Recently, Oman Tourism organized a sales mission in key markets such as Kochi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, which was graced by the delegation of MHT Muscat. The sales mission was a remarkable success, with 70 key outbound trade meetings conducted within a span of six days. “The remarkable growth in the number of Indian tourists visiting Oman in January is truly delightful. With the current positive trend, we are optimistic that Oman will become a preferred travel destination for Indian travellers,” said Arjun Chadha, Country Manager, Oman Tourism India office. Oman’s diverse …
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