The Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism (MOT) will showcase its global leadership in exceptional tourism services featuring the latest projects and attractive natural tourism spots at the Arabian Travel Market 2018, which will kick off on Sunday (April 22, 2018) at the Dubai World Trade Center. The delegation, led by H.E. Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the MOT, which include 25 companies and industry pioneers, will promote Oman’s most competitive assets that make the country as the destination of choice by regional tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism’s participation aims to meet its commitment in promoting the ongoing and future tourism projects in the country and further boost awareness on the distinctive experiences regional and international travelers may enjoy in the Sultanate. One of the latest major developments in the sector is the new Muscat International Airport, which plays a vital role in the country’s sustainable development. The stylish new state-of-the-art airport boasts an unrivalled service, equipped with the latest technologies and facilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers, as well as receive the largest aircrafts in the world.

The Ministry also looks to showcase and introduce its new e-Visa services as part of the efforts to attract more tourists through efficient and effective processing of visas. The e-Visa service is available for non-GCC nationals exclusively online in line with the Sultanate’s e-transformation initiatives.

Haitham Al Ghassani, Assistant Director General of Promotion & Awareness, Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, said that the Sultanate of Oman is optimistic on its participation in the annual Arabian Travel Market as one of its most effective efforts in enhancing communication with partners in the tourism and travel sector, noting that the event is an effective means to promote Oman’s tourism products, which meets the objectives of the ‘Oman Tourism Strategy’ as the Sultanate bids to become one of the world's leading destinations for leisure, exploration and meetings by 2040. “We are delighted to be among the leading participants in the largest international travel and tourism event in the Middle East and North Africa. It is a strategic platform for us to showcase the latest tourism services, marketing offers and promotional plans, which will help enhance the Sultanate’s position as a leading tourism destination in the world,” he added.

“It is another great opportunity to be among the exhibitors in this year's edition of the Arabian Travel Market, along with prestigious government entities and leading private companies, and introduce Oman’s appeal to tourists as a unique destination known for its natural diversity, rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. We look forward to holding meetings with major stakeholders and decisionmakers in the tourism sector, including signing new agreements which will drive new development of products, services, and tourism and hotel facilities aimed at providing distinctive experiences for regional and international visitors. We are confident that the exhibition will bring us new knowledge regarding the latest trends and developments in the tourism industry in other Arab countries and the world.”

The Sultanate recently announced the availability of electronic visit visa issuance through (evisa.rop.gov.om) to replace all manual applications after the full transfer to the e-visa system has been completed. The new electronic system promotes efficiency and ease of access to visitors, in line with the Sultanate’s goals under the eGovernment Transformation Strategy.