Oman, Qatar join hands to promote tourism

MUSCAT

Her Excellency Maitha Bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, received a delegation from Qatar Tourism Authority at the Ministry of Tourism on Sunday.

The agenda of the visit included introductory meetings and several visits to tourism attractions in the Sultanate over the two days.

The efforts made by the ministry of tourism to develop tourism products and services in Oman as per a precise strategic approach were reviewed during the meeting. It also shed light on the Omani Tourism Strategy 2040 and its components that promote the Sultanate’s authentic Omani identity and cultural aspects.

Oman’s Tourism Strategy 2040 focuses on reinforcing the principle of sustainable and responsible tourism, as well as attracting investors to establish more tourism projects in Oman.

According to Oman’s Tourism Strategy 2040, the Sultanate aims to attract 11 million tourists by the year 2040. The efforts made to facilitate investment in the tourism sector, as well as develop to develop meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector were also discussed.

The delegation’s visit is part of a call to action on a previously signed MoU between the Sultanate represented by the Ministry of Tourism and Qatar represented by Qatar Tourism Authority.

The MoU aims to enhance the cooperation between the two countries in the tourism industry, strengthen the tourism interaction through different events, facilitate travelling procedures as per the applicable regulations in both countries, enhance the cooperation in the fields of tourism investments, manage tourism facilities, encourage the private sector to engage in the development of tourism sector, and coordinate between the two countries for promotional campaigns.

The MoU also states the importance of information exchange between the two countries with regard to their experience in the tourism sector and coordination with the World Tourism Organisation and other international tourism organisations, keeping in mind different tourism aspects.

The MoU also aims to facilitate the exchange of tourism expertise, media tours, and training courses. As per the MoU, a special technical committee, including tourism experts from both countries will be formed to enhance cooperation vis-a-vis annual meetings that will oversee the progress made.

The delegation will be the Sultanate for two days. The delegation will visit prominent tourism attractions such as Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat Opera House during the period. A site-visit to Omran to understand the investment opportunities available in the Sultanate, as well as the current projects was also part of the tour agenda.