Tourism

While the focus on preserving Oman’s natural surroundings and cultural traditions has allowed the sultanate to retain much of the spirit of historic Arabia, the arrival of modern infrastructure and an emphasis on new sectors like activity-based tourism and ecotourism suggest the country is also adapting to the needs of the modern global travel market. Oman has some of the most diverse offerings in the Gulf region, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites, contemporary urban centres, and natural and coastal areas, yet it continues to rely on a few specific destinations and times of the year. While the country welcomed a record number of visitors in 2015 and 2016, the ultimate goal of transforming it into a year-round destination that appeals to a broader set of travellers continues apace. With the addition of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, infrastructure initiatives, new hotels and other flagship developments, the country is well on track. This chapter contains an interview with Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism.