The Sultanate of Oman is gearing up to participate in the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Exhibition in Dubai, UAE. The Director General of Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, highlighted the significant tourism growth in the Middle East region post-COVID-19 pandemic, making the exhibition an ideal platform to promote the tourism growth in Oman. The Sultanate aims to establish new relations, exchange knowledge, and promote the Khareef Dhofar season and other activities to further boost the tourism sector.
The heritage and tourism sector in Oman is considered one of the most important sectors in the country, with clear strategic visions set to contribute significantly to the national economy. The tourism sector in Oman has witnessed steady growth, with its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product reaching 2.4 percent by the end of 2022. In 2023, the number of tourists visiting Oman increased by 36.7 percent compared to 2022, highlighting the importance of promoting Oman as a world-leading tourist destination.
Efforts are being made by Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, to enhance the country’s position in international forums through cooperation with partners and participation in prominent events and exhibitions. The participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2024 aims to attract tourists from non-traditional markets and provide services and facilities to boost tourism activity in Oman. The event, themed “Empowering innovation; transforming travel through entrepreneurship,” will see the participation of over 200 delegates globally in the field of travel and tourism industry.
The Omani delegation, led by Undersecretary for Tourism Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, comprises 36 companies and establishments from the Sultanate’s tourism sector. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 aims to accelerate sustainability of the tourism and hospitality sector and travel by boosting expertise and attracting finance to increase the sector’s global GDP contribution. The exhibition aims to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the development of a more sustainable travel and tourism sector.
Key events of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 include sessions focusing on entrepreneurship, specialized sessions for key tourism exporting markets, and various events associated with the theme of the exhibition. The previous edition of the Arabian Travel Market attracted over 40,000 specialized participants in the field of travel, along with over 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries. The upcoming edition is expected to further promote innovation and collaboration within the travel and tourism industry to boost the sector’s growth and sustainability.
