Ayad Ali Al Balushi, Group CEO of OMRAN Group, said: “Five years ago, Visit Oman set out to make booking Oman seamless and accessible to the world, while ensuring long-term sustainability for our local tourism providers. Today, Visit Oman stands as the nation’s unified travel platform, bridging global demand with Omani supply through secure, advanced, and scalable technology, and elevating the visitor journey from discovery and booking to arrival at the destination.”

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The company recalled its initial rollout, including a digital business-to-business booking platform, International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification, and Global Distribution System (GDS) airline integration. It also reported partnerships with more than 85 airlines, including Oman Air and Salam Air, and real-time connectivity to more than 140 hotels and other accommodation options in Oman. Visit Oman said it has now onboarded more than 390 trade partners in more than 55 countries and connected with over 250 local tourism providers, adding that 80% of those providers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Visit Oman also noted that it has digitised more than 350 tourism services. The company said that in 2024, it expanded global distribution after launching what it called a “Digital Travel Hub” (B2B2C), which connects to AI-enabled online travel agencies (OTAs) and supports multilingual distribution of Omani tours and experiences across more than 170 markets.

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What’s more, the destination manager has launched a licensed short-stay accommodation platform featuring options such as eco-lodges, heritage inns and guesthouses. On marketing and trade engagement, the company said joint digital campaigns with international partners have attracted more than 150,000 visitors, and its online travel training program has reached in excess of 93,000 travel agents.

According to Visit Oman, additional initiatives have included a direct-to-consumer booking platform, travel technology tools aimed at Omani travel agencies, and a stopover program developed with Oman Air and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

The company also cited Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) services and destination campaigns tied to events such as IRONMAN Oman, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the #WithinOman summer campaign. In addition, it claims to have supported tourism workforce initiatives through AI-enabled microsites, short-stay rental integrations and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s “Tashgheel” tour guide program for freelancers.

Shabib Mohamed Al Maamari, Managing Director of Visit Oman, said: “Our next chapter focuses on deepening the distribution of Omani tourism experiences to reach broader target segments across key source markets, broadening category choice, and continuously improving conversion through advanced technologies and digital marketing, while continuing to empower local tourism providers and SMEs on the global digital tourism map.”

L’article Visit Oman marks five-year milestone and expansion of digital travel distribution est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Douhani, planning director at the Commerce, Industry and Investment Ministry, said the golden visa, alongside initiatives to support high-performing Omani firms, and a new “Oman Business” platform, will give investors stability and growth, and provide Omani firms with expansion opportunities through an online trade environment.

Under the plans, which are in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 plan to mitigate oil revenue reduction, would-be foreign investors will be able to apply for renewable residency permits for themselves, their partners, children under 25, and their dependent parents. Successful applicants will gain the right to own businesses and freehold property, as well as receive tax benefits, and enjoy access to education and healthcare.

There will be two main tiers of Golden Visa residency, which are renewable, under the condition that applicants still meet the criteria at the time of re-applying for the visa.

For a 10-year Golden Visa, costing 551 Omani rials (€1230), applicants must make a minimum investment of 500,000 Omani rials (€1.1 million) in government bonds, or a limited liability or stock-exchange-listed company, or property. Setting up a business that employs at least 50 Omanis is another possibility.

A five-year option is available too, in return for a company investment or property purchase worth 250,000 rials (€550,000). The five-year permit, costing 326 rials (around €728), is also open to people currently working in the country who wish to retire there, who can apply Extended Residence as long as they can demonstrate a fixed income of at least 4,000 rials (nearly €9,000) per month.

Oman is one of six Gulf nations cooperating on the development of a Schengen-style visa designed to facilitate travel across the region. It has seen huge year-on-year growth in its tourism sector recently, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), whose 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed that travel and tourism’s GDP contribution in the sultanate went up 35% between 2023 and 2024, with a remarkable 69% increase in international visitor spending – a trend that council has said will continue amid an “historic revival.”

The sultanate has promoted itself to visitors with the phrase “Beauty has an address,” in adverts targeting young female consumers, like those from fellow Gulf Cooperation Council member Saudi Arabia in 2024. Unlike the Saudi campaign that focused on a young independent woman, Oman’s protagonist appears to be a young mother, travelling with her family.

L’article Oman set to launch Golden Visa program to boost investment  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new 10-day cruise passenger visa can be applied for by arrangement with cruise ship agents. Once issued it must be used within 30 days. For travellers who want to stay longer in Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, a similar month-long visa can be applied for instead.

Growth strategy driven by tourism

Like other Gulf states, Oman is turning its economy more towards tourism and already successfully boosted its international visitor spend by 69% to OMR 1.1BN (EUR 2.65 BN) between 2022 and 2023. The Sultanate saw huge year-on-year growth according to a World Travel and Tourism Council 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) report which predicted jobs, visitor spending, and GDP contribution would continue to rise over the next decade.

The latest visa change is part of that strategy, Inspector General of Police and Customs Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shuraiqi explained: “The updated visa table reflects our commitment to making travel more accessible for cruise tourists.”

As well as catering to visitors who arrive by cruise ship, Oman offers a number of other visa options.

• Tourist Visa: For stays of up to 30 days, with possible additional 30 day extension.
• Business Visa: covers up to 90 days, allowing time for business activities.
• Family Visit Visa: aimed at those with family resident in Oman to visit for up to 30 days, again extensions are possible

What’s more, the Royal Oman Police scrapped visa requirements back in spring 2024 for citizens of 103 different countries who can all now enter Oman visa-free for up to 14 days.

They are listed by visaguide news as follows:

European Union countries (excluding Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Other countries located in the European continent: Monaco, Norway, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Non-EU countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela in South America; Canada and the United States; China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore; Australia and New Zealand; plus Iran, Türkiye, South Africa, and Russia.

L’article Oman now offering free 10-day visa for cruise ship passengers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In 2023, travel and tourism accounted for an astonishing 35% more of Oman’s GDP than in 2022, reaching OMR 2.8BN (EUR 6.7BN). Jobs in the industry grew by 15%, with 191,500 people working in travel and tourism across the country. Most remarkable is the increase in international visitor spend, up a whopping 69% to OMR 1.1BN (EUR 2.65 BN).

“Historic revival” over next decade

Amid 25% growth for the travel and tourism in the Middle East region as a whole, and with strategic and economic investment from the Omani government driving the sector forward, the WTTC analysts predict the trendlines will continue to tell a positive story for Oman – a story reinforced when Oman co-hosted ITB Berlin, the world’s biggest travel event earlier in 2024.

The WTTC predictions of an “historic revival” of Oman’s tourism sector include its revenues contributing over OMR 3.3BN by the end of 2024, accounting for 7.6% of the nation’s GDP. That figure is set to rise to just under 10% over the next decade, the global tourism body says. By 2034, the researchers say, the sector could employ well over a quarter of a million people all over the country, equating to one in 13 residents working in travel and tourism.

“Robust support” from government 

Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO notes “The Oman Government is a strong support of Travel & Tourism and is aiming to achieve unprecedented economic growth and job creation.”

That commitment has been underlined by Dr. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, the Sultanate’s leading executive arm for tourism development, who said the success of the sector is a result of “the robust support of [the] Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman Investment Authority, and their commitment to realising the industry’s potential through strategic enablers and developments across the country.”

Similarly to other Gulf countries, Oman has developed a plan for diversifying its economy, investing more in sustainability and tourism, in accordance with the Oman Vision 2040. Those developments include the creation of a new destination in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar mountain range.

“Committed to responsible tourism”

As Oman seeks to diversify its economy away from oil in line with Oman Vision 2040, and alongside other Gulf states, the country will “remain committed to responsible tourism development and promoting Oman as a premier travel destination through our ‘Visit Oman’ brand and digital distribution solutions,” Al Mahrouqi went on, “with the ultimate goal of fostering Oman’s socio-economic growth.”

L’article Oman on cusp of travel and tourism boom, says WTTC est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Developed by Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) and designed by engineering firm AtkinsRéalis, the mountain destination will be built about 150 kilometres away from the capital of Muscat, at an altitude of 2,400 metres.

“The concept driving the vision for the project is to unlock the potential of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, creating a globally inclusive destination that offers diverse nature experiences while respecting the natural ecology and community on and around the Jabal Mountain”, project architect Kawther Al-Lawati told Dezeen.

The $2.4 billion (€2.2 billion) project is supposed to be a mixed-use district, providing both housing for residents and accommodation for tourists. Once complete, the Omani Mountain Destination (OMD) will be offering 2,527 residences, which should house over 8,000 people, and 2,000 hotel rooms. The goal is to receive around 2,350 overnight visitors, as well as around 2,000 daily tourists.

Formed of 3 mountain top villages, the OMD will be complete with a wellness centre, a training facility, an amphitheatre, a museum and the Wadi Al Harbi Park, a biodiversity as well as leisure centre. The park will not only have space for farming and agrotourism, but also dedicated areas for leisure and extreme activities, like mountain biking, rock climbing or bungee jumping.

“The OMD is a place of play, adventure and discovery. It balances three fundamental values: Nature, Culture and Future”, said Davide Minniti, Associate Director of Masterplanning and Urban Design at AtkinsRealis. “The master plan recognizes nature’s intrinsic value in everybody’s quality of life and well-being by blending its rugged landscape into each aspect of the project. It looks to the future through smart solutions, an urban lifestyle cantered around people, walkability and community spaces, and through the understated elegance of subtle design solutions along the wadis and escarpment.”

Among the three villages forming the destination, 85% of the environment is supposed to be pedestrianised, with waving roads integrated in the mountain sides connecting the mountain tops and a new cable car providing access to the area. Moreover, the goal is for OMD to be completely net-zero, relying solely on renewable energy with rooftop solar panels added on all buildings. The construction process is also intended to be as sustainable as possible, reintegrating mountain materials in the building of the destination and making use of passive design strategies and offsite solar farms.

L’article Oman unveils plan for new $2.4 billion mountain destination est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since its first edition in 1966, ITB Berlin has established itself as the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Starting with only 9 exhibitors from 5 countries, the event reached 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries in 2019. Tonight, 3,000 guests are invited to attend Oman’s opening ceremony, from the total of 24,000 participants expected over the course of the three days.

Under the slogan “Beauty Has An Address”, H.E. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, has promised a spectacular, colourful and impressive show on the stage of the CityCube Berlin, featuring classical works and folk music. “An impressive tour of the many facets of this country awaits the audience”, ITB Berlin said in a press release.

The ceremony will be divided in three parts. The first part will highlight the beauty of Oman, including its natural attractions, traditions and elements of the Sultanate of Oman’s cultural heritage. The second part will focus on the progress of Oman, including the modernisation of the country and preservation of its cultural identity, as well as religion, education, human rights and art. In the third part entitled “Vision 2040”, the country will present new horizons, sustainable tourism development and its role on the world stage.

Omani singers and folk groups, accompanied by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, will perform traditional Omani songs, as well as music works from around the world. This is the first time in 17 years that the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra is visiting Germany again. It is one of the few western-oriented symphony orchestras in the Arab World and, since it was founded, its musicians have been exclusively from Oman.

After the opening ceremony, the host country will also hold a reception at the CityCube Berlin, where culinary delights from the Sultanate of Oman will be served.

L’article Host country Oman officially opens ITB Berlin 2024 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

A tweet on February 23 stated that Oman’s airspace would be open to “all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflying.”

As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944, the Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the Sultanate’s airspace is open for all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflyuing. pic.twitter.com/jNaqqDxZM1

— هيئة الطّيران المدني (@CAAOMN) February 23, 2023

The decision helps Oman come in line with the Chicago Convention of 1944, which requires “non-discrimination between civil aircrafts used in international air navigation.” It follows a similar move from Saudi Arabia last summer and means that Israel’s three airlines, El Al, Israir and Arkia will no longer be forced to avoid the two countries’ skies when flying east.

Previously Israeli carriers were obliged to take a lengthy detour over Jordan and the Red Sea when flying to India and Southeast Asia. The opening of Saudi airspace last year cut El Al journey times from Tel Aviv to Mumbai by over 30%, to just five hours and fifteen minutes.

Passengers can also look forward to shorter journeys to Asia according to Jonathan Sivarajah, an El Al frequent flier and Israeli aviation commentator, who told CNN that airtime could be cut by three hours.

For the airlines, he predicted “further opportunities not only to Asia but potentially to Australia, too.”

Until now, Israel’s aviation market has been skewed by international airlines who were able to offer cheaper and faster flights than the national carriers.

El Al, which has been working on a route from Tel Aviv to Melbourne since last year, responded to the announcement by posting a map comparing their before and after routes to Southeast Asia on Instagram. In a reflection of the détente, El Al is due to launch a shared loyalty scheme with UAE carrier Etihad Airways enabling frequent flyers to collect points across both airlines. 

Thanking the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, for his “substantial help” in lifting the ban, Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen branded it “a historic decision that will shorten the road to Asia, lower costs for Israeli citizens and help Israeli airlines to be more competitive.” 

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would be “opening up to the east on an unprecedented scale,” calling the development “great news for Israeli aviation. The Far East is not so far away and the skies are no longer the limit.”

L’article Oman agrees to Israeli flights in its airspace est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Nascom

The initiative to build a spaceport came from the National Aerospace Services Company, Nascom, which hopes to see its first rocket launch early next year. The whole construction, however, is estimated to take three years until full completion. “We have two main goals with the Duqm launch land: to build a launch centre for commercial, professional and educational rocket users to assemble, test and launch from,” stated Nascom, the Sultanate of Oman’s first aerospace services company.

2. Etlaq Space Launch Complex

The project will be located in the port town of Duqm, dubbed the Etlaq Space Launch Complex. Due to its equatorial positioning, authorities believe the site to make an ideal spot for launches, as the rocket can take advantage of the Earth’s rotational speeds. “Internationally verified studies have identified that Wilayat Al-Duqm’s equatorial positioning places it in the top 5 most efficient rocket launch latitudes in the world,” Nascom said.

Etlaq Space Launch Complex, the Spaceport of the Future!

Housed in Duqm, Oman. Etlaq will be the #MENA region’s largest, & most versatile, space launch complex. Offering design & production, testing, & launch facilities for Rocket & Satellite Operatorshttps://t.co/FkPC9Dzh60 pic.twitter.com/oAyzE5pZA4

— DarkStar Aerospace (@DarkStarAero) October 5, 2022

The Duqm Port opened in February 2022 as part of Oman’s efforts to diversify its economy and expand its infrastructure. The port was developed in partnership with the Belgium’s Port of Antwerp and received major investment from China.

3. Suborbital launch

Nascom also hopes to build the first Omani suborbital rocket that would be launched from the complex. The Middle East-based space company plans to develop rockets with hybrid-solid engines.

The rockets will inspire the youth to pursue science and technology and will set a standard for future generations to achieve and surpass.

Nascom

Nascom said it has been testing solid fuel, which is “much safer and environmentally friendly” than the fuels used in liquid engines. As for the scale of the rocket currently developing, the company said it is comparable to the suborbital rockets which are launched by universities in the US, which measure between 3 to 6 metres in length.

4. Space Settlement Centre

Oman plans to build a space research centre — Space Settlement Centre — for simulation missions and science experiments in the Duqm district’s Artificial Intelligence Zone. The project is hoped to help scientists carry out research in the space sector, artificial intelligence and advanced technology.

“The project aims to simulate a space environment to study the behaviour of astronauts before joining the actual astronaut flights,” said Bahiya Al Shuaibi, CEO of Oman’s Global Space and Technology Company. “It will serve scientists, researchers and those interested in doing experiments in the space sector, artificial intelligence and advanced technology.”

L’article Oman will host Middle East’s first spaceport est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This comes right in time with the amazing news of the Sultanate reopening its land, air and sea borders after a temporary closure. The Supreme Committee has also made it compulsory for all travellers to take a PCR test 72 hrs prior to the scheduled time of arrival in Oman with a mandatory 7-day quarantine thereafter.

We are glad that we’ll be able to welcome guests locally from Oman as well as from all around the world to enjoy our new activities, improved living and fully immerse themselves in true Omani hospitality.

Rami Farhat, Acting General Manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar 

While the travel restrictions are being updated, every other week, keeping in mind the health and safety of all citizens and travellers, Oman is still considered one of the safest countries to travel offering warm and friendly locals and a rich history, making it a must-visit travel destination in 2021. To experience the country in splendour, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort welcomes guests to live life at 2000m with unparalleled views, great adventure, Omani hospitality and scrumptious food.

“With the borders just recently opened to international travellers, followed by visa exemptions, Oman is slowly bouncing back and taking actions to establish a new sense of normalcy. We are glad that we’ll be able to welcome guests locally from Oman as well as from all around the world to enjoy our new activities, improved living and fully immerse themselves in true Omani hospitality. The entire team has put in a lot of work into forging an experience that breaches a new level of luxury which the GCC region is yet to see.” said Rami Farhat, Acting General Manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar.

The Extreme Jabal Activity Wall is the newest addition to the luxury property’s range of experiences, designed for the bravest of adventurers. Widely known as one of the highest climbing routes in the Middle East, the favoured Jabal Activity Wall has been upgraded with an all-new extreme phase, offering the most daring travellers an unparalleled experience of Oman’s Green Mountain and its expanse of craggy cliffs and limestone rock formations.

A climber’s dream, the experience starts off on a high note with a zip line, taking explorers on a short flight through the air and across the canyon. Guests can then navigate their way through multiple levels via ferrata along the vertical rocks and end the hour-long activity by crossing the Middle East’s highest steel bridge.

With the vast canyon plunging to 1,000 metres at its deepest point, courageous guests can enjoy a front-row seat to the beautiful views beyond whilst relishing in the peaceful silence. If you’re up to the task, head over to Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar to tackle the Hajar mountain range and cross this activity off your bucket list.

The secluded mountain getaway has also revealed its all-new exclusive dining platform, The Royal Edge, which is set to deliver an intimate and bespoke dining experience.  Outfitted with a glass floor that extends all to the very edge of the canyon, the new platform presents guests with an incomparable canyon stage and is only accessible through Anantara’s signature ‘Dining by Design’ experience.

Available throughout the day, with prices starting from OMR 75 per person, Dining by Design offers the ultimate experience tailored to suit each guest. Take your pick of connoisseur menus or better yet, craft an entirely new one with your personal chef. Indulge in the dream location, with flawless butler service as you savour the finest local and world flavours, either at sunset or under the stars. Guests booking to dine on The Royal Edge this month would be one of the first to experience the grandiose dining platform and its many intricacies.

In addition to the new experiences, the resort has also made strides to upgrade various parts of the property. Guests can now enjoy a new and improved main infinity pool which has been enlarged to offer an unmatched scenic view of the stunning mountains.

The private pools located in the villas have also been completely revamped with a range of premium tiles, stone tiles in the Garden Pool Villas and sea fossil patterns in the Cliff Pool Villas, outfitted to reflect a piece of the fabled green mountain within the property. To elevate the much-loved Anantara Spa experience, the property underwent a renovation of its spa facilities as well during its closure and included a new jacuzzi in the male relaxation area.

L’article Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort redefines luxury with all-new experiences est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.