Oman expects more tourists

Oman’s positive start to 2012 is continuing with Oman securing a record 14 nominations at the World Travel Awards 2012. Among the nominations for Oman were: Middle East’s Leading Destination, Middle East’s Leading Marketing Campaign and Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism said: “The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is a valuable opportunity to showcase our ‘Muscat Arab Tourism Capital 2012’ campaign and support our latest tourism initiatives including new discounted tourist visas, and our stopover campaign with Oman Air.” Muscat is nominated for Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination and Middle East’s Leading Cruise Port. Salalah is also nominated for Middle East’s Leading Cruise Port. International Air Transport Association (IATA) data is showing a good start to the year with international passenger arrivals to Muscat International Airport showing strong year-on-year growth, particularly from the GCC. Oman’s tourism industry is now looking to boost tourism performance.