With huge investments from both government and private financiers, Oman is projecting to be visited by 12 Million tourists in coming 11 years, mainly on account of changed visa regulations.
The Sultanate of Oman has targeted to attract 12 Million foreign tourists annually by 2020 as compared to 3.2 Million per annum at present, as reported by The Media Line. To attain this goal, government as well as private financiers are likely to invest around $10 Billion in various tourism related projects.
Oman’s tourism campaign “Vision 2020” includes several developments. A main investment will be the upgradation of Muscat International Airport that serves as the main gateway to visitors arriving in the country via air. This will be done by adding a new runway and a new terminus besides upgrading the present runway to make it able to handle A380 super jumbo jet of Airbus. Further, a 6,000-seat convention area is also planned to be built adjoining the airport.
Similarly, three smaller airports are to be built in Nazwa, 'Salala and Duqm so as to promote the passengers arriving to the capital city of Muscat to discover these relatively new areas also. Around ten integrated resort-style constructions are also expected to come up in various regions of Oman.
Recently, government changed its visa policies, thereby making it easier for overseas visitors to enter the country. According to the new regulations, citizens from nearly 60 nations can apply for visa upon arrival in place of having applied before hand.
However, according to a tourism ministry spokesperson, conservation of cultural heritage of Oman and preservation of country’s environment continue to be the main priorities.
One of the key factors that will lead to the success of “Vision 2020” is the current global marketing strategies focused on widening the appeal of Oman as a tourist destination among the international tourists. This includes promoting culturally and historically affluent regions of Oman.
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