07 April 2009

Oman tourismÃ¢â¬â¢s major growth strategy

MUSCAT - The Oman Ministry of Tourism has set its sights on attracting 12 million visitors by the year 2020.

Based on the arrival of three million-plus international travellers to Oman in 2008, and forward visitor arrival projections, the ministry is confident the tourism sector will become one of the biggest contributors to Oman’s GDP.

Sultanate of Oman tourism director Australia/New Zealand Mona Tannous said one of the principle projects now underway was a major upgrade and expansion of Muscat International Airport.

Plans for the airport development, she said, include a new terminal building, 32 air bridges and an additional runway, while the existing runway will be upgraded to handle the super-sized Airbus A380.

In addition to the airport development, several tourism projects are now well underway most of which will be completed within the next five years.

These include 10 integrated resort style developments under construction in various parts of the country, plus a 6000-seat convention centre being built close to Muscat International Airport.
Work is also nearing completion on the venue for 2010 Asian Beach Games which will take place at Wudum Al Sahil near Muscat in December next year.