Oman's Ministry of Tourism has announced that it will participate in the "Riyadh Travel Fair 2019", which will be held from 28-30 March at the Al Faisaliah Tower Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year, the Ministry is collaborating with a number of regional and international travel and tourism leaders to highlight the most competitive elements and tourism projects that are a major attraction for Saudi and regional tourists to the Sultanate. The Ministry's participation in this pioneering regional event is in line with its efforts to achieve the Oman Tourism Strategy (2016-2040), which aims to enhance the Sultanate's position globally and make it an ideal destination for outstanding hospitality. Saleh Bin Ali Al Khayafi, Director of Promotion and Marketing, Omani Ministry of Tourism, said: "Our participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2019 is to enhance the Sultanate's position on the regional and global tourism map by highlighting the different areas that reflect the local culture and heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. During this year's edition, we look forward to a more prominent review of the tourist, natural, heritage, cultural and historical landmarks of the Sultanate which make it a favorite touristic destination. We are constantly working to highlight the Sultanate's status as an ideal destination for leisure activities, and to attend important events and world championships, based on our absolute belief in the Sultanate's beauty, making it a preferred destination for many tourists from neighboring countries and around the world." He added "the Saudi tourist market is one of the most important market to us; with the number of tourists to Oman last year exceeding 1,400,000 from the Arabian Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia. In this context, we are keen to launch exceptional tourism programs, projects and initiatives to meet the needs of the GCC tourists and provide a unique travel and hospitality experience. We are confident that our participation this year will provide us with a wide range of opportunities to promote the distinctive features of tourism developments, which aim to provide comfort for the growing number of tourists coming to the Sultanate. The exhibition is a strategic platform for attracting more tourists from Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries in general." The exhibitors taking part at the event include Oman Air, Salam Air, Dhofar Municipality and Oman's Ministry of Tourism. It is projected that 31 hotels and resorts will be opened in 2019, adding a total of 3264 rooms to the market. The number of hotels also increased by 12.3% last year, resulting in a growth rate of 7.8% in the number of rooms and 28% in the number of visitors to Salalah. — SG
