The decision to use Port Sultan Qaboos exclusively for tourism is of great significance. It will be a giant leap in the development of tourism in the country. The move to convert Port Sultan Qaboos into a tourism port and shift all cargo and container operations to Sohar port is the result of the directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. The next steps will be taken by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which will now prepare the blueprint for the conversion of Port Sultan Qaboos into a tourism port and then implement it. Once it begins operations exclusively for tourists, Port Sultan Qaboos will deal exclusively with cruise ships and other vessels with tourists on board. And there’s no doubt that this gateway to Oman is certain to enchant tourists as soon as they step out onto the dock. In surroundings that are picturesque, Port Sultan Qaboos borders many areas of significance to tourists like Muttrah, near which is situated the Bait Al Baranda Museum that regularily attracts a large number of visitors. Muscat too is not too far away from the port. Numerous other places of historic importance are situated in this area.
The last few years have witnessed a lot of stress being given to tourism by the government. Funds to the tune of billions of rials are being diverted extensively for tourism projects in different parts of the country. The recent past has witnessed the opening of about 1,400 rooms. The doors of beautiful niche properties too have been thrown open. Stress is also being given to the establishment of hotels for budget travellers as this segment is growing. And most of these hotels have restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Oman is on the way to becoming a haven for tourists from all countries – be it India, Russia or the United States.
Oman has a number of big plans aimed at expanding tourism. The new terminals at Muscat and Salalah international airports are part of these plans. Moreover, tourism operators in Oman have tied up with foreign agencies to sell the Sultanate in various parts of the world, especially Russia. Such vigorous attempts to sell Oman have resulted in a rapid increase in tourist traffic. Last year, 1.6 million tourists arrived. Tourism Ministry sources predict an increase of at least seven per cent on this number: Some other sources say it could well be 15 per cent. It’s not numbers that matter. But it’s the fact that the government is moving ahead with carefully laid plans to make Oman a regional tourist destination. In course of time, the country could become one of the world’s major tourist spots as it has a lot to attract visitors and that includes a rich history, culture and beauty.
Source: http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=editorial_details&id=2020&heading=EDITORIAL
