Regional unrest is surprise boon to Oman tourism

 International cruise ship operators that have cut Bahrain from Gulf itineraries because of protests in the Kingdom are staying in Muscat instead, which is likely to bring an unexpected boost to the city’s food and beverage industry.

“The people on the ships have come out into Muscat, so that has been a benefit,” said Robert McLean, principal of the National Hospitality Institute of Oman.

However, it is hard to quantify the actual value of these stops, he added.

“I don’t know what they actual money benefit is – obviously people are unloaded and they go into the souk area of Muscat, but if it’s a short stop they don’t necessarily go very far or stay for long.”

The increased potential business is a short-term ray of hope for the Oman F&B industry, which has been “erratic” since reports of the regional unrest have deterred people from abroad from visiting the area.

“Most areas in Oman are very peaceful. People are, unjustly in most cases, being put off from visiting,” said McLean.

A 2,000-passenger ship brings an average revenue of about Dh1 million (US$272,250) to each port of call, according to research by Seatrade, a shipping communications company.

However, this will be no comfort to outlets based in Bahrain, which will suffer a damaging setback to the development of the cruise sector that is a key part of its tourism strategy as a results of the altered routes.