Director General of Tourism Promotion Salim Bin Adey Al-Mamari, tells ITCM of Oman’s plans to develop its MICE facilities

Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:56

‘Strategically located new developments, for the most part low rise’, says Director General of Tourism Promotion Salim Bin Adey Al-Mamari, in an interview with ITCM, ‘can rapidly grow our tourism yield without spoiling what is very special in our country’. English is widely spoken in Oman and there are historic and friendly connections with the UK, so it was particularly pleasing to Oman that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth paid a state visit in November on its National Day, when it was celebrating the 40th anniversary of the reign of its ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It is the Sultan, who became the Head of State at the age of 30 and who spent some of his formative years at the Sandhurst Military Academy, who has led Oman gradually into the modern age whilst preserving what Omanis see as very precious in its age-old culture. Oman has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which are archeological treasures that are 2,000 years old.
Britain is Oman’s Number One market for tourism. The British have always had a fascination for Middle Eastern culture and enjoy finding so much of it alive and well in Oman. Director General of Tourism Promotions Salim Bin Adey Al-Mamari is proud that even in 2009, in the worst of this recession, tourism in Oman grew by 2.9%. ‘It is now growing at a rate of about 7.5% per annum and we are aiming to maintain that until 2020, when we hope to be welcoming 12m visitors a year.’
Oman has the funds to develop what it wishes, but it is taking care to spend them wisely. It is estimated by outside observers that up to US$20bn has been earmarked for modern facilities over the next few years.
‘The modern developments and the ancient ways have to co-exist, to flourish side by side’, says Salim. ‘We have started work on a new Convention Centre that will seat 6,000 delegates in about three years’ time.’
Whilst preserving the Omani culture, the country is not averse to calling on international expertise to help it achieve its objectives. A Convention Bureau is being created that will have internationally experienced people to run it and to market through it on a global basis. In this way, the plan is to draw local people into the sector and enable them to develop these skills for the future.
Oman Air is developing rapidly as an international airline and offers daily flights to Muscat from Heathrow. Companies should have no problem arranging flights to fit in with their schedules for events.
Muscat, the capital of Oman, has an array of luxury hotels with conference facilities and the new convention centre development will encompass new hotels and retail outlets.
Leisure activities are no problem, especially if groups are seeking programmes related to culture, heritage, wildlife and water-sports, such as diving and sailing. Turtle and whale watching are niche attractions and golf is also now on the agenda for investment.
Salim adds: ‘We are also planning to diversify the tourism locations. Muscat will receive the bulk of the investment, but Salalah in the south is also being seen as a very interesting and attractive location for tourist development. It currently receives direct flights from Muscat and will be the setting for new high quality resorts and meeting facilities’.

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