Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a series of initiatives for 2012 in partnership with national carrier Oman Air which aims to complement Muscat’s status as 'Arab Tourism Capital.'

The ministry yesterday shared its strategic plans and new focus areas for 2012 with members of the media, travel agents, tour operators and key travel industry players, at the Al Qasr Hotel, Dubai.

The new plans aim to complement the latest honour given to the country’s capital Muscat which was recently selected as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2012 by the Arab Tourism Ministers Council.

A year-long calendar of diverse arts, sports and cultural activities have been lined up, kicking off with 15 tourism-oriented events to be held until the end of March.

One of the main goals is to present Oman as a year-round destination by highlighting events such as the Salalah Khareef Festival. The Ministry is also calling on all tourism stakeholders to adopt a sustainable approach to planning, development and operations.
 
The Ministry is also currently co-ordinating with industry partners such as Oman Air to facilitate improved access from destinations such as Zurich and bring in more travellers to the Sultanate.

Media campaigns supported by the Ministry website and partnership agreements with international organizations such as BBC Worldwide television are also being mobilized to broaden Oman’s global exposure, said a top official.

"2012 promises to be an exciting and eventful year for Oman, with an array of activities planned to engage and entertain visitors from across the world," remarked Ghasi Humaid Al Hashmi, the assistant director general of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism.

"Undoubtedly this will be a very special year for Muscat in particular given the recent recognitions it has received," Al Hashmi stated.

Oman Air along with the Ministry of Tourism, resorts, hotels and tour companies had recently teamed up to launch a ‘1 Free Night in Oman’ campaign to encourage stopovers on Oman Air’s international network.

The campaign is the first of its kind for Oman and runs till December 22 with the offer available on all classes of travel, said the tourism official.

"We look forward to the continued support of our partners in our ongoing efforts to help visitors to our country enjoy the very best of our history, culture and natural attractions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service