Tourism
DRIVING GROWTH IN TOURISM With some of the most impressive sites in Arabia, a fascinating history and culture, and worldwide fame for warmth and hospitality, Oman has definite advantages as a destination for both leisure and business events O man Tourism Development Company SAOC (Omran) drives the investment, growth and development of the rapidly growing tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The company is the master
enormous potential. The sector is developing fast in line with the 2040 Vision, which offers a clear road map: a minimum of 10 million international visitors and the development of suitable products and infrastructure, plus 500,000 jobs and a contribution of 6 per cent of GDP by 2040. In addition to the enormous sums invested in infrastructure by the government, Oman seeks local, regional and international investors to the sector. Potential projects include Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), massive projects integrating tourism, retail and real estate, as well as stand- alone resorts and hotels. The total number of hotel rooms in November 2019 was 24,531. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) is aiming to add 2,159 rooms in 2024 .
developer of major tourism, heritage, urban and mixed-use projects, delivering some of the nation’s most visionary and iconic destinations. An important regional economy with a thriving business sector, Oman is a place of stability and impartiality in MENA, making it an ideal place for meetings. With these advantages, the tourism sector is flourishing with significant growth over the past few years, and more promised for the next. One of the diversification economies, the tourism sector has
“We have been developing new products for new markets such as China, the USA and emerging markets. In the last eight years we have added around 14,000 different key rooms from five to one star. Today we have the development of five regional airports, the expansion of Muscat and Salalah and are connected to all the GCC countries by air, road and sea. “We believe that we have one of the best baskets of incentives for investors in the region. We have freehold opportunities and leasing up to 99 years, and a waiver tax holiday for the first five years. We work in collaboration with stakeholders and in partnership with the private sector to execute developments. “Tourism has diversified beyond leisure into medical, educational, adventure and business events. Our location and safety make us a fantastic match for MICE events. This year and beyond we are seeing massive growth in conferences. We want to retain visitors to Oman; 33 per cent of travellers are return tourists as we create an experiential destination.” H.E. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, The Ministry of Heritage & Tourism
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