For the first time, The Sultanate Of Oman, Ministry of Tourism will organize a roadshow in Bangalore to boost Indian tourist arrivals to Oman. The roadshow is focused on increasing the business opportunities and establishing contacts within the Indian travel trade.
After the Bangalore roadshow, the Ministry would be visiting Chennai on 21st January, Mumbai on 24th January and Delhi on 25th January 2011.
Oman’s leading carrier Oman Air along with Aitken Spence Hotels, Grand Hyatt Muscat, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Sultanate of Oman and Destination Marketing Representatives National Travel and Tourism, Travel Point and Zahara Tours are present in the city to showcase Oman as a year long destination for Indians.
Omani cultural heritage spans thousands of years and captures the aura of the ancient times while emphasizing Oman’s natural beauty. Today, Oman holds big opportunities for players in the tourism sector. Approximately three and a half hour’s air from Bangalore, Oman is the ideal short haul destination for an idyllic break.
The country has a lot to offer in terms of culture, scenic beauty and products targeted at the niche, evolved traveller. The Ministry has aimed to promote Oman through its easy accessibility, state-of-art infrastructure and friendly visa facilities for leisure and corporate travel blended with legendary Omani hospitality.
“At present, the traffic between India and Oman comprises of visiting friends and relatives and those travelling for employment. Through this roadshow, we intend to develop tourism between the two countries and accelerate on marketing Oman as an ideal holiday destination,” said Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi, Representative India, Sultanate Of Oman.
A land of diverse landscapes, Oman changes from dry valleys to lush green oases, from vast unending plains to mighty mountains, from golden brown sands to aquamarine seas. Apart from Muscat, the main cities to visit include Nizwa with its magnificent forts and souks; Sur, a sea coast with traditional dwellings; Masirah Island and Daymaniyat Islands where one can indulge in water sports; Salalah with its tumbling waterfalls, meandering streams, craggy cliffs and plunging coast of Musandam.
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“We are positioning Oman as a niche destination with a right blend of well preserved heritage and modern design. Forts, castles, mosques and ancient buildings, located in the Sultanate, are a testament to Omani aesthetic sensibilities in the field of architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Bahla Fort, Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn, Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman, Land of Frankincense have tourists flocking to Oman. There is a mix of the snazziest shopping malls and quaint traditional souks. Oman is definitely the best kept secret in the Persian Gulf,” said Mr. Salim Bin Adey Al-Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotion, Sultanate of Oman.
The Ministry intends to capitalize on the existing historical ties and similarities with India in culture, music, culinary delights and family values.
“Our first step here is to create awareness and this roadshow is a promising start while the second is through trade and consumer promotions. We are placing significant emphasis on strengthening our relationship with the trade while positioning Oman as a Leisure and MICE destination among Indian travellers. It is possible with Oman Air’s schedule to include Oman in a business or leisure itinerary and we think this will appeal to many experienced travellers to the GCC in particular. Right now we are providing a platform for Indian suppliers and Oman based service providers to interact with each other,” said Mr. Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of Tourism Events from Oman’s Ministry of Tourism.
The Ministry has a strong promotional programme in place throughout 2011, highlighting the various facets of the destination. “This roadshow is an introduction of Oman to the travel trade wherein we are providing detailed information and product knowledge. The focus this year is to promote the destination through this four city roadshow, advertisements, joint promotions, trade shows and familiarization trips on a pan-India basis,” added Ms. Sheerazi.
Greater accessibility from India is one of the reasons that has turned Oman into an excellent travel destination. Oman is well connected through air by Oman Air, Jet Airways, Air India and Indian Airlines. Its national carrier Oman Air operates from ten different locations in India. “With 76 direct flights a week operating from 10 different hubs in India, Oman Air has an excellent connectivity to the various regions in India. We believe that the proximity to India makes Oman a natural choice for a perfect break,” said Mr. Johney Abraham, District Sales Manager - Bangalore, Oman Air.
Oman soon expects to claim a big slice of the booming meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) business by setting up a world-class conference facility. The two-million-square-meter ‘Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre’ will boast of a 3,000 seat Convention Centre, four hotels and serviced apartments supported by a major regional retail facility. Located four kilometres from Muscat Airport, it will act as a gateway to Muscat and will be seen as a competitive venue for major global events.
The Ministry launched its first global tourism destination campaign using Oman's new brand mark and the strap line - "Beauty has an address" on 9th November , 2010 at the World Travel Market (WTM), London. The campaign's overriding message is to demonstrate how the Sultanate sees its unique hallmark program of arts, sports and cultural events as a reflection of Oman's heritage, cultural and natural attributes. The campaign highlights an international events calendar that was developed as part of Oman’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
The upcoming Muscat Festival expects over two million visitors and will take place from 27th January to 24th February 2011. The events that will be promoted include Oman’s Food Festival that would take place from 3rd February to 17th February, 2011 and the Muscat Fashion Week would commence from 22nd February to 24th February, 2011. Tour of Oman cycle race will begin from 15th February – 20th February, 2011 and will feature over 120 of the best names from the Tour de France. The Extreme Sailing World Championships would take place from 20th February to 24th February, 2011.
As part of the Muscat Festival celebrations India’s famous playback singer, Sonu Nigam would be accompanied on stage by the elegant actress Lara Dutta and together they would create an electrifying performance on 10th February 2011. Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan who has huge Omani fan following would perform on 17th February 2011.
There are plans to woo Indian filmmakers to shoot their movies in Oman. “Film tourism is a growing phenomenon worldwide. We realize the importance and the reach of the Indian film industry and plan to encourage Indian producers and studios to film in Oman,” added Ms. Sheerazi.
“We are looking forward for India to be one of our core tourism markets as Oman and India share an inseparable link which is reflected in almost all the aspects in both the countries. In context to the current business scenario of globalization, this understanding proves to be a significant bond in regards to the economic, trade and tourism ties,” said Mr. Salim Bin Adey Al-Mamari.
Oman has set its sights on attracting 12 million visitors by 2020.
“The uniqueness of Oman is that it is an absolutely safe travel destination and a country whose state income goes back to the people in the form of free access to education, free healthcare and almost no taxes to pay. Our philosophy is to maintain the path of responsible tourism. We are looking at travellers who will help preserve the pristine beauty and heritage and yet be eco sensitive,” added Mr. Khalid Al Zadjali.
The Sultanate offers far more than an unforgettable break: it is a unique world to be explored and experienced that combines a sustainable economical development with its timeless traditions. The result is a vibrant but peaceful nation that welcomes the discerning traveller.
About Oman:
Oman is a country of enormous diversity and natural beauty. The Sultanate of Oman, with an area of 309,500 square kms, encompasses a diverse range of topography, including mountain ranges, arid deserts and fertile plains. Oman lies on the Tropic of Cancer in the extreme southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area of major strategic importance. The country’s breathtaking coastline stretches for over 1,700 kms, from the Arabian Sea, and the entrance to the Indian Ocean at its south-western extremity, to the Gulf of Oman and Musandam in the north, where it overlooks the Strait of Hormuz and the entrance to the Arabian Gulf.