Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 10 November, 2016 2:14 pm |

A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism headed by HE Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism, participated at the World Travel Market 2016 (WTM), which was held in London from November 7 to 9, 2016. 

The United Kingdom is an important tourist market for the Sultanate and, as one of the leading travel exhibitions in the world, WTM provided an opportunity to showcase Oman’s potential as a world-class tourism destination to more than 50,000 international travel professionals, government ministers, and international press from more than 38 sectors in the travel industry. The main aim behind participating in such events is to engage, discuss and seek the interest of potential travellers to visit the Sultanate and bring more investments into the country.

On the second day of the event, the Ministry even hosted a breakfast session for the media in conjunction with Oman Air at the Oman Tourism stands. Over 20 journalists attended the breakfast and Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi shared with them the latest updates from the Sultanate of Oman.

WTM is also an ideal prospect for the various tourist partners to enter new markets, showcase their different offerings, and generate new business connections. This year, the Ministry delegation included Tour Oman, Mark Tours, Magic Arabia, Zahara Tours, ITL World, Bahwan Tourism, Eihab Travel, Al Bustan Palace, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Golden Tulip Seeb, Intercontinental Muscat, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Shanfari Hotels & Resorts, Oman Hotels Company, Ramada Muscat Hotel and The Chedi. Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), Royal Opera House Muscat, also joined the delegation. Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran). As a support from MOT for local SMEs, a section was also dedicated to "Dar Al Herfya" to showcase traditional Omani handcrafted items.

The delegation comprised some of the newly opened hotels including Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Al Baleed Salalah by Anantara, Kempinski and the Sheraton Hotel.

Speaking about the exhibition, HE Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, said, “Participation in WTM and such premier travel exhibitions is a conscious effort on part of the Ministry to promote Oman, expand our tourism market and support the local partners through various networking & business sessions. The Ministry has been participating in WTM for 13 years and we see it as a strategic opportunity to showcase Oman’s uniqueness and strengthen its position as a tourist destination of choice. We are certain that exposure to international marketers will benefit our participating partners and go a long way in bringing more tourist into the Sultanate.”

In its 37th year, the World Travel Market London is a platform to meet and listen to thought-provoking debates, research, market data, trends and case studies. The WTM Wellness Lounge offered tourism companies an exclusive platform to meet new contacts and conduct business. For those who have a focus on luxury tourism, A Taste of ILTM at WTM London was a great way to showcase the luxury travel business and connect with key luxury buyers, through pre-scheduled appointments and networking over two days. The largest exclusive travel technology event in the UK, the Travel Tech Show at WTM London gave technology suppliers an opportunity to view and interact with more than 100 technology specific exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in the market.