Oman tourism industry targets domestic summer leisure market

Oman's tourism industry has decided to focus on the domestic summer leisure market this year.
Oman's tourism industry has decided to focus on the domestic summer leisure market this year.

Omanis need only look within to find beauty — within their own country, that is — as the sultanate turns its attention to domestic tourism this year in an effort to appeal to residents with local experiences.

With the long-term goal of redefining Oman as a year-round destination, the Ministry of Tourism has opted to debut its marketing to feature alluring summertime opportunities such as mountain retreats, water sports and cultural experiences.

Adventures from high-altitude hiking to deep sea diving will feature prominently in the ministry’s upcoming campaign planned for May through September, with a special three-day event planned for Muscat City Center featuring various hotels and tour packages.

Additionally, the tourism department has conducted workshops this year in Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, promoting Oman sightseeing.

“For tourism to be a sustainable resource, it is important for the country to be viewed as a year-long destination and the summer campaign is intended to do just that,” Salim Al Mamari, the Ministry of Tourism’s director general for tourism promotion, said.

The ministry is hopeful that not only Omani residents but also other GCC vacationers will take advantage of the promoted opportunities — including visitors from UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“We want to bring to the fore what Oman has to offer in summers and encourage both locals and regional tourist to explore the vibrant nation and enjoy the vacation with their families in many of the cooler parts of the Sultanate,” Al Mamari said. “We are very happy with the response we have received from our local partners and … hope to see more tourists turning up in even bigger numbers to leverage these packages.”




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