Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has announced that it will be participating in the Riyadh Travel Fair, which will be held from March 28-30 at the Al Faisaliah Tower Hotel in Saudi Arabia.

This year, the Ministry is collaborating with a number of regional and international travel and tourism leaders to highlight the most competitive elements and tourism projects that are a major attraction for Saudi and regional tourists to the sultanate. The Ministry's participation in this pioneering regional event is in line with its efforts to achieve the Oman Tourism Strategy (2016-2040), which aims to enhance the sultanate's position globally and make it an ideal destination for outstanding hospitality.

Saleh bin Ali Al Khayafi, director of Promotion and Marketing, Omani Ministry of Tourism, said: “Our participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2019 is to enhance the sultanate's position on the regional and global tourism map by highlighting the different areas that reflect the local culture and heritage of Oman. During this year's edition, we look forward to a more prominent review of the tourist, natural, heritage, cultural and historical landmarks of the Sultanate which make it a favourite touristic destination. We are constantly working to highlight the sultanate's status as an ideal destination for leisure activities, and to attend important events and world championships, based on our absolute belief in the sultanate's beauty, making it a preferred destination for many tourists from neighbouring countries and around the world.”

He added: “The Saudi tourist market is one of the most important markets to us; with the number of tourists to Oman last year exceeding 1,400,000 from the Arabian Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia. In this context, we are keen to launch exceptional tourism programs, projects and initiatives to meet the needs of the GCC tourists and provide a unique travel and hospitality experience. The exhibition is a strategic platform for attracting more tourists from Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries in general.”

The exhibitors taking part at the event include Oman Air, Salam Air, Dhofar Municipality and Oman's Ministry of Tourism. It is projected that 31 hotels and resorts will be opened in 2019, adding a total of 3,264 rooms to the market. The number of hotels also increased by 12.3 per cent last year, resulting in a growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the number of rooms and 28 per cent in the number of visitors to Salalah. - TradeArabia News Service