Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) began on Wednesday the first discussion sessions for tourism companies from European markets (France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, and the Nordic countries), along with local tourism companies and representatives from relevant tourism authorities in the Sultanate of Oman.
These sessions are part of the “Marhaba Europe” event, which started on August 31 and will continue till September 5 and includes visits to several governorates in Oman.
The event aims to attract 70 tourism companies from European markets and to enhance relationships and communication between local tourism sector partners and their European counterparts.
Additionally, it seeks to promote tourism products, experiences, and hotel facilities to these European companies.
The first discussion session, titled ‘Global Tourism Trends Compared to Omani Tourism Trends,’ took place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (OCEC), with the presence of Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the MHT.
This session highlighted key developments in both local and global tourism sectors and discussed ways to leverage these insights to support the Ministry’s goals for developing and promoting tourism in the Sultanate of Oman.
The session featured presentations by Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at UN; Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports; Shabib bin Mohammed Al Mamari, Managing Director of Visit Oman; and Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at MHT.
The session was moderated by Dr. Hamed Almuhrzi, Dean of Oman Tourism College. The discussion sessions covered various topics, including identifying the main needs and interests of international markets and interactive discussions on developing tourism packages.
On Thursday, the second discussion session will be held, titled ‘Strategic Planning and Future Collaboration in the Tourism Sector.’ This session will include presentations on ‘Developed Tour Packages in the Tourism Sector,’ along with one-on-one meetings and joint discussions between representatives of Omani tourism institutions and their European counterparts.
These interactions are expected to lead to the signing of cooperation agreements, introduce companies to key tourism elements in the Sultanate of Oman, and provide updates on the latest developments and promotional offers in the Omani tourism sector.
Al Ghassani, explained that the discussion sessions held alongside the Marhaba Europeevent, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, highlight key updates in both local and global tourism sectors. These sessions will focus on the diverse and rich natural, environmental, and cultural attractions of the Sultanate of Oman, aiming to offer an authentic Omani and Arab tourism experience.
He noted that over the two days, the sessions will showcase the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a unique tourist destination among European tourists, emphasising the facilities, services, and offers designed to attract European visitors and meet their needs and interests.
He emphasised that the event and its accompanying sessions and presentations will contribute to a broader understanding of Oman’s tourist attractions, experiences, and heritage sites, enhancing year-round tourism across various governorates of Oman.
This, in turn, will support the promotion of the Sultanate of Oman as a key tourist destination. He highlighted that Marhaba Europe represents a valuable addition to the Ministry’s efforts to attract tourists from targeted markets and to exchange expertise with similar companies in the Sultanate of Oman.
It is worth noting that Marhaba Europe is part of the MHT’s efforts to attract tourism from various markets and is included in the Ministry’s promotional plan for the current year.
The event is expected to play a significant role in promoting the Sultanate of Oman’s position as an important and luxurious global tourist destination.
