: Muscat International Airport has witnessed a noticeable increase in the arrival of passengers thus boosting tourism prospects in the Sultanate.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for the year ending June 2011 has brought in glad tidings for the Sultanate, with the total passenger arrivals to Muscat International Airport increasing to 2.23 million, up 15 per cent from 2010.
Tourism Ministry's data confirms a rebound in travel to Oman despite adverse travel advisory that dampened travel demand in the first quarter of 2011.
Oman will hopefully take concrete steps to capitalise on reviving the prospects of the tourism sector.
The heads of the Ministry of Tourism's international offices from the UK, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, the GCC, India and Australia met in Oman from August 13 to 18 for strategy and travel trade meetings.
A statement from Al Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Oman's Minister of Tourism, said: "Travel to Oman has rebounded strongly with most of Oman's key tourism source markets recording remarkable year on year growth. The highest growth came from Italy (60 per cent), UAE (31 per cent), Germany (22 per cent), France (14 per cent) and The Netherlands (8 per cent).
"Our European trade partners are reporting solid forward bookings so we expect a strong end of year result for Oman's tourism industry."
IATA data for June 2011 and 2010 shows steady growth in all tourism source markets except the United Kingdom, where austerity measures have moderated demand for long haul travel. This contrasts with Italy (228 per cent), the Netherlands (52 per cent), Belgium (33 per cent), France (22 per cent), UAE (20 per cent) and Germany (9 per cent) which all grew strongly.
Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili said: "This data also highlights the positive impact of Oman Air's services to our larger volume markets such as France, Germany and the UAE.
"Arrivals from France and Germany continue to increase since the start of non-stop services in late 2009. We expect similar positive outcome from Oman Air services to Zurich in October and Moscow in November."
The Ministry of Tourism expects that 2011 would be a record year for tourism activity based on forward bookings, increased air services, including air charters to Salalah, as well as an increase in cruise ship arrivals next season.
Moreover, new developments like the Royal Opera House Muscat and new resorts and hotels across Oman are expected to induce new business.
The Royal Opera House Muscat opens with a world-class season of performances. The Ministry views the Royal Opera House as an internationally significant cultural tourism asset.
The Ministry of Tourism will host the 3rd Global Geotourism Conference in Muscat from 30 October to 1 November 2011.
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