Muscat: According to Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the tourism sector in the Middle East region is experiencing significant growth and, as a result, requires substantial investment.
In an interview with the Observer prior to the 50th UN Regional Tourism Commission meeting, he emphasized the importance of sustainable development and accessibility for investors to contribute to the sector's growth. This, in turn, would benefit the countries and their national economies by creating social benefits and job opportunities. Al Mahrouqi also highlighted that the challenges faced in the sector should be seen as opportunities in disguise.
The upcoming regional meeting aims to evaluate the current situation and establish a new direction towards achieving common objectives. Despite the numerous challenges, Al Mahrouqi believes that these challenges present opportunities for growth and development. The meeting will serve as a platform for exchanging views and ideas, as well as creating a framework of understanding to leverage available resources, knowledge, and experiences towards a shared goal.
The GCC unified tourist visa has been approved and is expected to be implemented soon. Regular meetings are being held to ensure that the responsible authorities establish a unified mechanism for this purpose. The minister mentioned that the visa will be enforced by the beginning of next year.
In order to promote the Sultanate of Oman abroad and address the lack of awareness about the country in certain markets, the minister emphasized the need for increased efforts. Plans are underway to promote Oman in Spain and other countries, with a focus on improving connectivity. Collaboration with Brazil and exploring new markets, particularly in the Far East, are part of the strategy to attract more tourists to Oman.
Highlighting the local experience, the Minister emphasized that Oman offers a diverse range of attractions including history, geography, natural landscapes, adventure, culture, and heritage. Tourists visiting Oman can expect quality experiences and a variety of options. The opportunity to interact with Omanis at different levels provides a unique and enriching experience for visitors seeking direct contact with local communities.
