0MAN TOURISM

Tourism
Oman has much to offer tourists – stunning and unspoiled landscapes, rich marine life, a stable political climate, a low crime rate, an ancient culture, and most importantly, genuinely hospitable people.

After years of seclusion from the world, Oman started welcoming tourists in the mid 1980s. There were 1.3 million tourists in 2003, mostly coming from the UAE, UK, Germany and France. Many come to visit family and friends or to enjoy the country’s rugged landscape. Expatriates and nationals of surrounding Arab countries also see Oman as an alternative to foreign travel.

In 2003 the government earned RO 58.1 million from tourism (a mere 0.7% of GDP). The aim is to double this rate by 2010 and further increase it to 5% by 2020. With about 50% of the population under the age of 18, the tourism sector is expected to absorb the wave of young Omanis that enter the job market annually.

In contrast to neighbouring Dubai, which encourages visitors of any background, Oman has repeatedly stressed its desire to develop this sector only to the extent that it does not conflict with the values of a traditionally conservative society. It is keen to promote upmarket tourism, focusing resources on adventure tourism, eco-tourism, cultural and heritage attractions, and coastal resorts. Backpackers will remain a rare sight for the foreseeable future!

The slow growth in this sector has given more time to expand services and hotels to meet the demands of the modern traveller. To realise its full potential, the government engaged International Development Ireland (IDI) in July 2002 to perform the same miracles it did for Ireland’s tourism sector.

A new Ministry of Tourism was created in June 2004, underscoring tourism’s importance in the new economy. Primary target markets have been identified – UK, France, German-speaking Europe and the GCC states. Travel restrictions have been eased, and visitors from 75 countries may now get a visa, valid for one month, on arrival at Oman’s air, land or sea entry points. Oman has a joint visa facility with Dubai and a cross-border agreement with Qatar. The government undoubtedly hopes to attract some of Dubai’s 4.7 million visitors, particularly during the summer months when the cooling mists of the Dhofar region provide a refreshing respite from the searing heat that blankets the region.

Seeb International Airport is set to undergo major redevelopment, including construction of a new terminal which will increase current capacity to 6.5 million passengers per year. The international airport in Salalah will be upgraded to handle more inbound charter flights. Oman Air, the national airli...

ne, has acquired new aeroplanes and expanded its list of destinations.

Almost all well-known hotel chains are present. There are currently over 60,000 rooms, but this is set to increase to 100,000 by 2010. Hotels are continually upgrading their offerings to better attract business travellers. The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, a massive 730 room resort set in spectacular mountain and sea surroundings, opened in late 2005.

Oman’s landscape is dotted with over 500 castles, forts and towers, of which about 70 are restored. These have become popular tourist attractions, along with the traditional souks. Oman’s forts are systematically being restored under the The Forts and Castles Restoration Project.

To increase its global presence Oman hosts international dune rallies, yacht races, and annual festivals like the Muscat Festival and the Khareef Festival in Salalah.

Oman is a successful example of how modernisation can be achieved without giving up a country’s cultural identity. Muscat is one of the region’s most attractive capital cities: clean and unexpectedly green, modern yet architecturally traditional. To visit Oman is, to use today’s tourism slogan, to experience ‘the Essence of Arabia’.