Muscat: Since the onset of October, the Dhofar Governorate has commenced welcoming tourists from both European and international markets, as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism persistently endeavors to promote winter tourism until the conclusion of April 2025.
On Wednesday, Salalah Airport was graced by the inaugural familiarization flights from Uzbekistan, with subsequent flights expected on Thursday and the following day. These flights are set to accommodate tourists from Uzbekistan, Romania, and Hungary, who will have the opportunity to explore the governorate's natural beauty, historical sites, prominent archaeological landmarks, and a range of hotel facilities, as well as the services and amenities available.
Last week, the inaugural two flights of the season arrived from the Czech and Slovak markets, with direct flights from Poland set to commence at the end of this month. The forthcoming winter season is anticipated to see a significant increase in the number of visitors from various nations, particularly from Eastern Europe, owing to the governorate's rich blend of tourism, natural, and historical attractions, as well as its environmental and cultural diversity.
Marwan bin Abdul Hakeem Al Ghassani, the Director of the Promotion Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, has confirmed the governorate's approach to a distinctive tourism season, characterized by its remarkable progress and development over the years. This progress has been evident in various sectors, including the expansion of tourism projects, the establishment of hotel and entertainment facilities, and the enhancement of the tourism sector to render Dhofar Governorate an all-year-round tourist destination.
Al Ghassani elaborated that the growing demand from international tourism companies for the development of tourism programs and packages in Dhofar Governorate necessitates an increase in the number of accommodations, the development of services, and the facilitation of procedures to encourage direct investment in the tourism sector.
He further highlighted that the current season is poised for significant growth, driven by the surge in demand and the entry of new tourist markets, complemented by the availability of tourist attractions, landmarks, and components that the governorate is rich in.
Al Ghassani added that Dhofar Governorate is set to receive tourist groups via both direct and indirect flights to Salalah Airport, originating from Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Additionally, the governorate is actively seeking to attract tourists from Uzbekistan and other European countries, whether through direct flights or via large cruise ships.
In terms of preparations for the winter tourism season, Al Ghassani mentioned that the Directorate has convened meetings with partners in the tourism sector to improve tourism services and address challenges. Furthermore, there has been a review of tourism promotion efforts for Dhofar Governorate, aimed at positioning it as a year-round tourist destination. This includes participation in international exhibitions, the implementation of promotional campaigns and programs, hosting international media and representatives of tourism offices, and positioning Salalah Port as a major hub for global cruise ships.
In response to inquiries about the preferred tourist destinations during the winter season, Marwan bin Abdul Hakeem Al Ghassani affirmed the unique elements that make the Dhofar Governorate an attractive destination for tourists. These elements include the temperate climate, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, scenic landscapes, and the presence of frankincense sites that have been recognized on the World Heritage List, such as Al Baleed, Samharam, Al Shisr, and Wadi Dokah. Furthermore, the Governorate boasts several notable attractions, including the Frankincense Land Museum, historical forts in Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, the Al Askar Tower, the Generations Communication Museum, the Beit Kofan Heritage Inn, and the Natural Frankincense Tree Park in Salalah. The Governorate also offers a variety of experiences, ranging from markets and water springs to valleys and caves, as well as a diverse selection of adventure tourism activities, marine sports, diving, and desert tourism in the Dhofar desert.
It is important to highlight that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is committed to transforming the Dhofar Governorate into a year-round tourist destination, adopting the slogan “Dhofar, a land for all seasons,” with the aim of elevating the Governorate to the status of a global tourist destination.
