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Bid to boost tourism in Khasab region

DUBAI - In its efforts to boost inflow of tourists from the UAE to the picturesque town of Khasab in the Governorate of Musandam, Oman Air recently launched regular scheduled flights between Dubai and Khasab.

Addressing a Press conference organised in Khasab on the sidelines of a two-day familiarisation trip, arranged for tours and travel agencies and members of the local print media, Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Omani Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, said, "We have ambitious plans to develop tourism in this part of the country, and this is evident from the fact that we have signed a contract with a Netherlands-based international chain of hotels."

He added that the international hotel chain, which manages a star hotel in Khasab, will provide exposure to Oman's tourism potential all over the world through its extensive network.

"Anywhere in the world an Airline plays an important role in such development plans, and the cooperation between an airline and the tourism development authority is also crucial," said Mr Al Balushi, praising Oman Air's commitment and cooperation with the authority.

Mr Al Balushi noted that more contributions are required from the private sector. "I look at the private sector as divided into two sub-sectors; the tour operating companies and the investment circle."

"While the role of the investment circle became more active after certain decisions were taken by the government regarding development of tourism in Oman in the early 90s, further cooperation is expected from the tour operating companies," he said.

Mr Al Balushi revealed that $30 million have been earmarked for developing tourism in Oman, and said that Khasab would also receive it due share in the development.

Sustainable development would be the keyword for development of tourism in Oman, Mr Al Balushi said, adding that the legacy, heritage and culture of the country would be protected while the local community will be encouraged to engage in the development activity.

Replying to a Khaleej Times question, Mr Al Balushi said that the inflow of tourists from the UAE were not clear owing to multiple points of entry, via road along the border, and sea terminals or airports.

He, however, said that about 70 per cent of the tourist in the border area were from the UAE.

Mr Al Balushi underlined the importance of the flow of tourists from the UAE, and said that visa regulations that encourage both UAE nationals and expatriate residents would also be considered.

Oman Air officials including the CEO, Abdul Rahman Al Busaidi, and the Senior Marketing Manager, Mohammed Shakily, were also present on the occasion.