Tourism

Arrivals at Muscat International Airport grew from 7.56m in 2012 to reach 8.31m in 2013, and this rising trend looks set to continue as the sultanate rolls out infrastructure development plans and increases its offerings for visitors. Across the country smaller airports are undergoing expansion that will allow larger planes to land, while rail development in the sultanate will see 2244 km of rail laid in the coming years, boosting connectivity with neighbouring countries. Oman is also looking to establish a presence in the international MICE segment, with the recently opened Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre leading the drive to attract more events to the sultanate. Luxury enclaves along the coast have boosted high-end offerings, and the sultanate is also keen to promote itself as a golf and sailing destination. This chapter contains an interview with Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Mehrizi, Minister of Tourism.