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ATM 2016: Oman to double international visitors

Dubai - New tourism strategy predicted to employ over 500,000, 75% of which are Omani nationals

The Ministry of Tourism, Oman, has announced at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai plans to more than double the number of international visitors the Sultanate attracts over the next two decades as part of its new national 2040 Tourism Strategy.
By 2040 the country wants to attract over five million international visitors to this unique tourism destination in the Gulf, in addition to the same-day visitors and domestic tourists, making the tourism business one of the most significant in the Sultanate generating over six per cent of annual GDP.
Under the new strategy the tourism sector is predicted to employ over 500,000 people by 20204 with an estimated 75 per cent of those being Omani nationals and it is also predicted to help make the Sultanate of Oman a role model for responsible tourism in the future.
"The announcement of the 2040 tourism strategy for Oman provides us with a clearly defined and structured road map for future growth and expansion ensuring that tourism becomes one of the most important economic pillars for the country's future," director general of Tourism Promotion Salim Al Mamari said.
Tourism infrastructure across Oman is being rapidly enhanced with the planned opening in the near future of the new Muscat International Airport that will initially have a capacity of 12 million visitors a year with future expansion to accommodate up to 48 million in the future.
New luxury hotels are being developed across the country and will open in Muscat, Salalah and in the mountains at Jebal Akhdar among other destinations including a number of world class international brands.
"The Sultanate has a truly unique offer for tourists within its regional geography, and provides an amazing diversity of visitor experiences. We are well positioned to benefit from growing international tourism trends," Al Mamari said.
- business@khaleejtimes.com