The Ministry of Tourism of Oman, headed by undersecretary Maitha Al Mahrouqi, has confirmed its participation in IMEX 2016, one of the leading Mice travel fairs that will be in Frankfurt, Germany, this week.

The exhibition, which will run from April 19 to 21, will provide the Ministry with a platform to showcase the sultanate as an ideal MICE destination and talk about the important services being offered, in addition to promoting the upcoming projects in the sector.

The highlight of the participation this year will be the establishment of the Oman Convention Bureau, to spearhead all Mice-related activities and products in the tourism sector. Under the leadership of Khalid Al Zadjali, director of the Oman Convention Bureau, the organisation will work as a specialised team to enhance the sector, regulate the processes, and maintain a healthy atmosphere that supports all organizations working in the sector to host events.

With many key projects nearing its completion, comprising the Oman Convention Bureau and Muscat International Airport, the Mice tourism industry in the sultanate is set to undergo a major overhaul in the next couple of years. The sector will also see several other infrastructure and tourism projects being undertaken as part of the 9th five-year development plan for 2016-2020.

Al Mahrouqi said: “The Mice sector is seen as one of the most important pillars of business tourism in the Sultanate as part of the Oman Tourism 2040 Strategy, and the establishment of the Convention Bureau is a step towards further enhancing what the country has to offer. Participating at IMEX 2016 is significant to tourism in Oman, as it offers plenty of opportunities for the Ministry to reach out to the international audience, engage with specialised international partners and familiarize them with the MICE sector in Oman.”

The Ministry of Tourism has been present annually at IMEX for over 10 years. The exhibition provides local tourism partners in Oman an avenue to showcase their packages and services through the Ministry's stand.

IMEX 2016 also allows for an exchange of experiences between local trade partners in Oman and their international counterparts through meetings in the exhibition.

This year, 13 partners are participating under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism, including the Oman Convention Center, Al Bustan Palace Ritz – Carlton, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, the Chedi Muscat, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Oman, Kempinski Hotel The Wave, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Enjoy Oman (Trekking And Adventure Tourism), Elite travel & Tourism, 1001Events, Mark Tours, Gulf Dunes LLC and National Travel & Tourism. - TradeArabia News Service