Tag Archives: Oman

If you are to go by what studies suggest, football matches are not the only reason why millions of fans travel from all over the world to watch the World Cup…  Millions of fans arriving for the FIFA World Cup, which takes place every 4 years look to explore tourist attractions and learn about the cultures of the host country and the region. Winning the world’s most popular sporting championship can only be surpassed by the privileged experiences that the “football fans” have in and outside the stadiums, in activities directly related to football in the fan zones, or indirectly by getting to know the landmarks and cultures of the region and geographically close countries, their tours not being limited to the cities where the World Cup is held. In less than a month, the FIFA World Cup finals will begin in Qatar, for the first time in the GCC region. Preliminary estimates are that more than 1.2 million international visitors will travel to watch the tournament. In addition, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has announced that some three million tickets have been sold for the matches so far. A large proportion of these has been bought by locals and people from the region, with international ticket purchases not limited to the 32 countries whose national teams have qualified for the finals. FIFA fever extends beyond the host country, as most of its neighbours in the GCC region have made extensive preparations to support the State of Qatar in hosting the World Cup. The Sultanate of Oman’s capital Muscat is among the accredited cities to host fans, and has developed an integrated programme to welcome World Cup fans …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, hosted six journalists from across India, including from Delhi, Mumbai, and Aurangabad on a FAM trip to Oman from September 23 to September 29, 2022. The group had onsite inspections in and around Muscat, and other locations across the country. The guests visited renowned hotels and resorts such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, dusitD2, W, the View, Al Hamra, Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Shangri-la Hotel, Golden Tulip Nizwa, and Crowne Plaza Muscat among others and shared their experiences. The Indian journalists, who were transported to the villages of Saiq and Wadi Bani Habib, were sang paeans about the country. They also had onsite inspections at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and clicked photographs of the Nizwa Fort before visiting the souq (market). The group also traveled to Wahiba Sands. After having an incredible experience, they went to Sur, including a temporary halt at Wadi Bani Khalid en route. The guests visited the fish jetty and the dhow factory after arriving in Sur, a town charmingly wrapped in a natural bay. Later, the Indian media conducted an onsite inspection at the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Center, followed by an overnight stay at the turtle reserve. Another was a trip to Muscat with a stopover at the marine museum. They were also invited to Sur, Sinkhole, and a photo shoot in Muscat (the Royal Opera House, the Grand Mosque from the outside, the Souq Muttrah). The tour was then followed by a site visit and dinner at The Chedi and followed it up by a visit to Jumeirah Muscat Bay, before moving on to Al Bustan Palace to see Al Alam Palace. On …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, recently met with key decision makers from the Indian travel trade in New Delhi. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the roadshow in Delhi. Oman Tourism officials met with eight high-profile CEOs from India’s leading travel agencies to not just understand the ever-evolving Indian traveller but to better experience Oman as a tourist destination. Marketing strategies were discussed to better position Oman as a preferred holiday destination among Indian travellers. What would be the right target segments was a matter of contention followed by a better understanding of market realities. The changing needs of the Indian travellers were also discussed, considering social platforms, digitalisation and the right promotional platforms. In a bid to stand out as a preferred tourist destination, discussions touched upon current competition and pertinent strategies to target the right audience. It was also a gesture by Oman Tourism to show its Indian partners their importance and to build the right camaraderie. Commenting on this exclusive meeting, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman said: “Our meeting with the key executives from the Indian travel trade in Delhi was fruitful. We must understand our partners and vice versa. Our objective is to position Oman as a preferred destination of choice for Indian travellers. With the FIFA World Cup round the corner, this is an added advantage to showcase the best of Oman to the world.” The event was attended by eight leading CEOs in New Delhi, including Guldeep Sahni from Weldon Tours & Travels, Ashutosh Dwivedi from UTAZZO, Nihaluddin from Trail Blazer Tours, Aaliyah Saeed Dang, Senior Manager-Tourism …

According to recent data, Indian arrivals to Oman in July crossed arrivals of the entire year 2021. The total number of Indian arrivals to Oman was 106,040, while it is 167,678 from January to July 2022. The highest arrivals this year have been in May (32,570) and in July (36,087).

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, recently concluded its first city in the five-city India roadshow in Delhi. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the travel trade. The roadshow commenced with Delhi on 22 August 2022, followed by the cities of Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore until 29 August 2022. The roadshow garnered interest from over 125 travel trade agents. In attendance at the roadshow were 10 private players from Oman, including Eihab Travels LLC, Discover Oman, Golden Oryx Tours, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Zahara Tours, Visit Oman, Khimji’s House of Travel, and Bahwan Tourism. 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 Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s MICE and wedding tourism representatives. The well-attended event had the Indian travel trade conduct successful business interactions with Oman Tourism officials. Post a presentation on the destination showcasing the varied tourist attractions in the country. 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, “We are extremely happy with the reception Oman Tourism received during its recent roadshow in Delhi. Interactions with agents suggested a renewed focus and commitment to promoting Oman among their clients. India has always been close to Oman, not just for tourism but as a country with similar values. We are proud of the fact that India continues to maintain its second position in tourist arrivals and look forward to the country touching an apex point.” Recent statistics from …

Sunil V. A., Country Manager – India, Oman Air said, “The major advantage of Oman is that it is just like going to a domestic destination in India. The flight is of two hours and people have started travelling to Oman for weekend getaways because the visa process is very simple.” 

To cater to the growing number of tourists looking for unique destinations in Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced a special promotional roadshow in five major source cities in India from 22 to 29 August, 2022. The roadshow, comprising a delegation from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Omani tour operators, hotels and airlines, will kick off from New Delhi and Ahmedabad and progress through Mumbai and Chennai to conclude in Bangalore. The roadshow aims to showcase outstanding experiences in Oman’s unique destinations and promote unique travel experiences for leisure, weddings, conferences and exhibitions.

Oman received a total of 36,087 Indian visitors in July 2022 as compared to 22057 visitors from the country in June 2022. In fact, this increase is more than 2019 levels of 30,718 visitors in July. Last year July there were only 332 visitors from India to Oman.

With more and more visitors arriving in the Sultanate of Oman, tourism is recovering fast. In July alone, the number of visitors, including those from India, reached 36,087, the highest in the last decade. This year, arrivals from India reached 167,678 between January to July. To cater to this growing number of tourists looking for unique destinations in Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced a special promotional roadshow in five major source cities in India commencing from 22 to 29 August, 2022. The roadshow, comprising a delegation from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Omani tour operators, hotels and airlines, will kick off from New Delhi and Ahmedabad and progress through Mumbai and Chennai to conclude in Bangalore. The roadshow aims to showcase outstanding experiences in Oman’s unique destinations and promote unique travel experiences for leisure, weddings, conferences and exhibitions. Commenting on the launch of the promotional roadshow, Ms Asma Salim Al Hajri, Deputy Director General for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: “India is one of the most important source markets for the Sultanate of Oman under our marketing and promotional strategy for all target segments. The roadshow will showcase the unique selling points (USPs) of destinations in Oman that will pique their interest to inspire Indian tourists to travel.” “We also seek to promote the Sultanate as an attractive destination for weddings as this is one of the growing tourism segments, especially for visitors from India. With its pristine nature, picturesque beaches and unique architecture, Oman has seen many Indian weddings for its exceptional capabilities in terms of logistical facilities and accommodation,” she added. Al Hajri also said that the Sultanate of …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, along with Buzz Travel Marketing, took half-a-dozen Wedding Planners from various Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur, to a familiarisation trip to Oman from 29 July 2022 to 6 August 2022. The idea behind the trip was to showcase and promote the wedding destinations in Oman. During the nine-day trip, the wedding planners were taken to numerous destinations and hotels for site inspections in and around Al Jebel Akhdar, Muscat and other place in Oman. Among the important hotels and resorts visited by the guests included Jumeirah Bay Muscat, Shangri-la Hotel, W, the View, Anantara Jabal Akhdar, Alila Jabal Akhdar, Dusit D2 Resort, Golden Tulip Nizwa and Crowne Plaza Muscat. The visitors had all praise for the destination. “Oman has the most beautiful coastline with azure blue waters, a stunning mountain range, which serve as a backdrop, and emerald green wadis. Anywhere you turn to look, automatically becomes an ‘instagram picture’ moment. Not to forget the Omani people who go the extra mile to make your every wish come true. Hospitality seems to be ingrained in the people of Oman,” said Mehernosh Colombowalla, one of the fam trip members. The wedding planners also enjoyed visit to historical sites and important places of interest. Among them were Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman that can accommodate 20,000 devotees together; Al Hoota cave; Misfat Al Abriyeen, a unique mountainous village located 1,000 metre above sea level on the mountain foothills surrounding wilayat Al Hamra in Al Dhakhiyla Governorate; Birkat Al Mauz, a beautiful village situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains); Nizwa Fort, and Wadi Bani …