Oman tourism efforts paying off

05 November 2014

Visitor numbers show 11 per cent increase in 2014

Oman has recorded an 11 per cent year on year increase in visitor numbers in September, according to its National Centre for Statistics and Information, as the government continues to invest in tourist attractions and facilities.

The largest increase was of tourists from other GCC countries, by 14.2 per cent, followed by Omanis by 14 per cent and Asians by 10.9 per cent.

The Ministry of Tourism, leading the drive, set itself a target of 3 per cent of GDP contributed by tourism in 2020. Tourism’s contribution reached 2.3 per cent of GDP in 2013, up from the 2011 low of 2 per cent. It also hopes to create employment.

The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) is conducting feasibility studies for 12 tourism projects, both resorts and attractions. An announcement is expected on the projects, which will be carried forward in the next three months.

Omran is also developing two large projects, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre near Muscat International airport and the W hotel in the Shatti al-Qurum district of Muscat.

The second phase of the convention centre is under construction, with bids received for the third phase.

Bids have also been received for the W hotel and the contract is expected to be awarded by early 2015.

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