Oman to go all out marketing tourism at ATM

MUSCAT — Oman’s tourism contingent will have a significant presence at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event. The exhibition will be held between May 6 and 9.

The Sultanate will be represented at the four-day travel and tourism event at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (DIECC) by the Ministry of Tourism and Industry along with the national carrier, Oman Air.

Joining them will be the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Dar Attawbah for Umrah and Haj and many more to follow in the coming weeks.

With as many as 30 companies expected to sign up for the event, the Sultanate is all set to bolster its market proposition in its search for increased outbound and inbound tourism products and services.

Khalid Al Zadjali, acting director of tourism events, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: “Oman is leveraging its tourism proposition to make the sector one of our most important business avenues. As such, we are developing and implementing a long-term strategy to position Oman as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Middle East.”

The organisers of Arabian Travel Market, Reed Travel Exhibitions, believes that this year’s event, with its increased content and product offering, an extensive seminar schedule and a global exhibitor base spanning over 60 countries, will have significant appeal to Oman’s tourism industry as an important business and knowledge platform.

“The Oman government has a strong relationship with Reed Travel Exhibitions and the Arabian Travel Market, and will continue to develop this association, going forward,” said Khalid Zadjali.

“We expect to see a strong presence this year from the Omani tourism sector, both as exhibitors and trade visitors. The Sultanate has always been well represented at previous Arabian Travel Markets and we expect the same to be true in 2008, as the local industry continues to position itself as a unique and alternative tourism destination,” said Simon Press, director, Arabian Travel Market.

“Visitor interest for this year’s event has been phenomenal and we are extremely optimistic regarding the quality and quantity. With visitor registrations up on this time last year, many buyers have expressed interest in Oman’s tourism offerings, with this figure expected to rise as we get closer to the opening next month,” he added.

“We are constantly seeking ways to bolster the entire show experience and to instigate a content rich information platform for the global industry.

One of our main focuses is to make the Arabian Travel Market experience a 12-month initiative that is not limited to the show’s four days.

We want exhibitors and visitors to be involved all the year round-and we can do this through the web,” said Lucie James, marketing manager, Arabian Travel Market.

This year, the event will witness the launch of a Travel Agent’s Day in conjunction with Arabian Travel News, which will boast of the latest top class travel and tourism education combining skills, learning, product knowledge and great competitions.

The initiative promises to ensure the opportunity to interact with over 50 countries and destinations, and network with over 2,000 exhibitors. The highlight of the show this year will be the New Frontiers Awards, a signature awards scheme.

Presented to a destination that has made remarkable recovery and positive contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity, the award, chosen by a panel of judges comprising regional and international industry professionals, will be staged for the third time this year, since its inception.

Arabian Travel Market is held every year under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, and under the auspices of the department of tourism and commerce marketing, Government of Dubai.

Launched in 1994, the event welcomes thousands of travel industry professionals from all over the world every year.

timesofoman.com