A senior official at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced that Oman welcomed a record-breaking 4 million tourists in 2023. Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, made this announcement during the 3rd edition of the World Travel Week Middle East.
He highlighted the diverse range of visitors, including luxury travelers, adventurers, nature enthusiasts, cruise ship passengers, sports fans, and event attendees, who experienced Oman's legendary hospitality, stunning landscapes, rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and delicious cuisine.
Al Busaidi also emphasized the Ministry's commitment to the National Tourism Strategy 2040 and the vision of Oman Vision 2040, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, to create an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of tourism. The activities of the World Travel Week Middle East commenced at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
More than 180 companies from Oman and abroad are participating in the "Connections Luxury Middle East" event to strengthen partnerships and communication between international luxury travel and tourism companies and their Omani counterparts.
The partners, including hotel establishments and tourism service providers, are utilizing innovative communication methods to enhance relationships and share experiences.
Al Busaidi emphasized the significance of the event, anticipating a successful outcome similar to last year's gathering. He highlighted the focus on tourism-friendly legislation, enterprise-driven initiatives, infrastructure investment, capacity building, specialized investment zones for tourism development, and more.
Director-General of Tourism Promotion, Haitham Mohammed Al Ghassani, mentioned that hosting the third edition of the event in Oman presents an excellent opportunity for partners to convene and arrange introductory visits for tourists to explore landmarks in Muscat Governorate and other regions of Oman.
Al Ghassani stated that visits to these landmarks and travel destinations would offer global travel firms and tourists a comprehensive understanding of Oman's tourism potential.
Al Ghassani mentioned that a total of 14 tourism companies have been selected to carry out familiarization trips in the Dhofar Governorate.
These visits will encompass various heritage sites and tourism landmarks, such as the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah, Al Hisn Palace, Al Hisn Market, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, the "Land of Frankincense Museum," Samhan Mountain, Wadi Darbat, the Samharam Archaeological Park, Taqah Castle, and the Kofan heritage hostel.
