Following the lifting of travel restrictions, the Sultanate of Oman has seen an increase in the number of visitors from around the world. This is evident by the dramatic rise in the number of visitors from other countries staying in the country’s hotels.
Compared to January of last year, the number of European visitors, including British tourists in Oman, increased by 641.5%, according to the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The National Center for Supercomputing Information (NCSI) reported that at the end of January 2022, there were 26,571 European visitors, compared to 3,844 in January 2021.
Why is British Tourism rapidly growing in Oman?
Using a cluster approach, the Oman Ministry of Tourism‘s 2040 Tourism Strategy plans to develop a series of unique tourism experiences throughout Oman that reflect the country’s rich cultural history and traditions. The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging visitors to stay in Muscat for a few days before heading to the mountains, the desert, or Salalah in the Sultanate’s southernmost region, which offers a very different climate.
The Ministry is promoting Salalah’s experiential offerings. The new airport in Salalah is helping to boost tourism in the region, and Salalah is becoming a more popular tourist destination. Multi-product offerings, including pristine coastline, mountain range, and desert expanse, offer a wide range of unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors to the region.
The new extended Muscat International Airport is expected to open soon, rapidly enhancing Oman’s tourism infrastructure. In addition, the Anantara in Jebel Akhdar and Salalah, two new five-star resorts, opened in 2016. Muscat’s renovated Sheraton reopened, and work on Oman’s first W Hotel has begun.
According to the Oman Tourism Strategy, digital marketing and promotion are the most effective methods for promoting Oman as a tourist destination of choice. As a result, efforts are being made to increase tourism in the destination through the use of these specific media channels.
The most important thing is to protect Oman’s natural and cultural heritage while promoting the country and its people to a global audience through the development of experiential tourism that is both environmentally friendly and culturally authentic.
Those looking for a truly authentic Arabian experience can find it in Oman. It’s no secret that travelers who want an authentic travel experience are flocking to Oman. Visitors are interested in history and culture, as well as activities like sailing, cycling, trekking, golf, diving, spa and wellness, and other special interest groups. As Oman’s product line grows, these markets are expected to expand. As one of the fastest-growing sections of global tourism, Oman is ideally suited to cater to the needs of special interest groups.
Moreover, Oman and the United Kingdom signed a Sovereign Investment Partnership agreement recently, agreeing to work together to increase high-value investment into both countries as the United Kingdom nears a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Lord Gerry Grimstone, the UK’s Minister for Investment, and AbdulSalam Al Murshidi, the President of the Oman Investment Authority, signed the new pact in London, which aims to strengthen economic ties between the UK and Oman.
The partnership also supports commercial investments in areas like clean energy and technology, which are critical to the nations’ £1 billion-a-year trading relationship.
The good news is, Oman does not require a visa for British citizens traveling there for up to 14 days. However, to extend your stay in Oman, you will need a visa. As a British citizen, you can apply for an Oman eVisa online. Applying for a visa online saves time and money over going to an embassy or consulate.
The venture is serving as a driving force in growing British tourism in Oman successfully.
