Oman makes play for Middle East tourism role

 

The charm of the Sultanate of Oman’s landscape, its people and rich history has long made it a favourite with visitors, yet it remains a lesser-known jewel in the Gulf region.

Government officials are hoping to change that, making public commitments to thrust Oman onto the world stage and whet the appetite of hotel investors and international operators hungering for new global hot spots.

“Oman offers a unique product in the Gulf Cooperation Council in terms of climate, charm and opportunity.

“Its diverse landscape, pristine beaches, government initiatives and potential for growth have attracted interest from near and far and from different sectors of the industry.

“There is much potential for growth in Oman, and we are keen to be part of it,” said Elie Milky, director of business development for Middle East/Africa at the Rezidor Hotel Group.

The Omani government’s Vision 2020 plan, created in 1995, is ambitious: increase its room count to 20,000 rooms by 2015 and welcome 12 million visitors annually by 2020, an increase well above its 1.5 million visitors recorded during 2012.

The government has since issued a more concrete five-year plan outlining strategies from 2011 to 2015 to help reach that larger goal.

There are 62 hotels with 7,636 rooms open in Oman, according to STR Global, sister company of Hotel News Now.

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