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Oman’s Visitor Plans Take Shape

Global Arab Network - Robert Bailey

Monday, 16 November 2009 11:57

In spite of global recession and a sharp fall off in long distance air travel the number of arrivals to Oman has continued to increase this year. There has also been a 3.9 per cent rise in revenues from tourism.

Some 1.1 million tourists visited the Sultanate in the first six months of this year, up from 980,000 over the same period of 2008. Overall, Oman is expected to record an increase of about 11 per cent in tourists this year reaching a record level of two million visitors compared to 1.8 million visitors in 2008.

Travel and tourism is steadily emerging as one of the main pillars of the Omani economy and a locomotive in the drive for economic diversification away from oil and gas. The sector has already grown to become an important source of employment for the Omani population.

Some 67 per cent of positions in Oman Air, for example, are already occupied by Omani employees and it is intended that Omanis will take over all the jobs that expatriates hold says the airline’s CEO Peter Hill.

The World Travel and Tourism Council has estimated that the travel and tourism sector provides 104,000 jobs or 10.2 per cent of all employment in Oman. By 2018 this percentage is predicted to rise to 12.1 per cent or 141,000 jobs.

The statistics are in line with the Sultanate’s Vision 2020 strategic economic plan seeks to establish Oman as a regional travel and tourism hub.

The plan envisages the contribution of the sector to GDP rising to at least 3 per cent; increasing the participation of the private sector as well as attracting foreign direct investment and increasing the percentage of Omani citizens employed in the industry to 80 per cent.

While this year’s continuing rise in visitors rise has been largely as a result of Gulf-based tourists looking to economise on long-distance travel and seeking cheaper vacations within the region prospects are looking optimistic for the future. Oman’s travel and tourism is expected to rise 7.8 per cent in real terms between 2010 and 2019 says the WTTC.

The country has substantial assets to build on. Occupying a larger and more variegated land area and coastline than neighbouring tourist destinations in the Gulf, Oman has a multitude of natural and historical attractions. Fourteen of these have been listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites. There are also hundreds of forts. Many attractions still wait to be opened up to visitors.

Cultural, environmental and adventure packages are areas of focus. Mountain climbing, exploring caves, bird watching, watching dolphins, whales and turtles as well as health spas are among the activities that are being steadily developed

The government which has established a Ministry of Tourism intends to upgrade tourism infrastructure as well as increase overseas advertising with a particular focus on Europe, US and Asia.

So far Oman has been highly successful in making top-end low-impact tourism work while presenting a gracious welcome to foreign visitors. The country ticks many boxes and consistently receives glowing editorial from travel writers.

There are challenges ahead though. Will ordinary citizens and expatriate residents feel squeezed out by the many luxury and exclusive projects under way? How will the nation’s traditional tolerance and natural environment be impacted by increasing numbers of visitors?

Oman is seeking to strike a fine balance between economic diversification and adherence to its unique history and culture. Increasing numbers of visitors and pressure from major investors are likely to constitute difficult tests in the years ahead.

Global Arab Network

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