Oman Ministry targets 4 million Saudi travellers

The Ministry of Tourism in Oman has its eye firmly fixed on 4 million Saudi business and leisure travellers in its plans for tourism growth.

The Ministry says it expects a big increase in visitors from the KSA, with one of the major drivers being improved air access to access to Salalah.

Oman Air now provides four flights per week from Dubai, Air Arabia three flights per week from Sharjah and Qatar Airways four flights per week from Doha, adding an additional 1,500 seats per week to the destination.

Expatriate travel is also being boosted by low-cost tourism visas. Oman has already dropped it visa price by 75% (a visa now costs OMR 5 for a single entry fee lasting up to 10 days).

To further bolster growth Oman’s resorts and hotels are also offering heavily discounted rooms over summer.

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, said: “We welcome visitors from the Kingdom and recognise the need also for us to invest our time in the market, especially to build awareness in Oman’s attractions and natural beauty.

“We want Saudis to include Oman in their business and leisure plans for the year starting off with Salalah’s Khareef season or other cool climate destinations,” she said.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism recently participated in the Riyadh Travel Fair, which took place in the KSA 23-26 April, 2013.