features: personality profiles: Meeting in Arabia
Meeting in Arabia
Salem Al Mamari, director general tourism promotions, Ministry of Tourism, Oman, talks to meetme about double-digit growth in tourism arrivals and why sustainability is at the core of all development
How many tourists came to Oman in 2008? How did that compare to 2007? And what are your forecasts for 2009?
Arrivals by land and air were in the order of two million with 2008 arrivals being 18 percent higher than 2007. This is a very pleasing result and continues a trend of double digit annual growth in arrivals to Oman. So far as 2009 is concerned, year ending June 2009 data from IATA indicates a jump of 15 percent in arrivals over 2008, so we are very pleased. In analysing these figures, we are delighted to see that our key tourism source markets are performing well despite the global recession with some markets showing growth. European arrivals grew by 10 percent, with the UK showing an increase of nine percent and France jumping 22 percent. Australia also showed strong growth at a 23 percent increase in arrivals, although much of this growth is off a small base. However, some traditionally strong markets like Germany are down. None the less, we are delighted to see these figures.
What are Oman’s main inbound markets and how have these changed in recent years?
As you would expect, the GCC is Oman’s major source market being a mix of VFR (visiting friends and relatives) and independent segments. The market is showing consistently strong growth aided by increased air services. In terms of long-haul markets, the UK is about double the size of the German market, followed by France, with Oman Air now able to offer non-stop services from each. With the exception of the German market, there has been good year-on-year growth and we expect Germany will rebound strongly in the near future. Our expectation is that non-stop services will see Oman become a far more competitive meeting destination, so I look forward to reporting back on this after several months of Oman Air operations.
What percentage of arrivals can be attributed to the meeting market?
We estimate the meetings market accounts for around 10 percent of tourism arrivals, but this is based on feedback from our major hotels that see the meeting segment as having significant potential. Our experience is that we are seeing a rise in demand for small to medium meetings and conventions. I think we are seeing more international companies opting to have board and strategy meetings here, especially companies that operate in both Europe and Asia; we are well suited for these companies.
How does Oman’s meetings product differ from other Gulf countries?
In common with other destinations in the region, the majority of meeting activities are based in major hotels and resorts. However, unlike many competitors, Oman is giving more emphasis to pre- and post-meeting tours as well as ensuring that meeting programmes involve a quality tour to some of our outstanding authentic attractions. Our focus is to ensure our guests leave here with a memory of Arabia, not the interior of a meeting room or convention centre. We think the recipe is working as we see more requests for outbreak meetings in historic houses, forts and castles. Just recently, an international board visited a nearby castle and described the venue there as the ‘ultimate board room’. I am pleased our restored and beautiful castles and majlis can be used in this way.
Oman has traditionally focused more on incentives rather than meetings. But with the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre opening in 2013, does this mean the focus is now shifting towards meetings and exhibitions?
Yes, our focus has been more on incentive because we have been constrained by the lack of an integrated meeting and convention facility, but all this is about to change with plans being finalised for a state-of-the-art facility capable of holding plenary meetings or around 6,500 people, supported by a number of integrated hotels. The project is being managed by Omran, the Government’s tourism development company. When this facility opens in 2013 you can expect a lift in both meeting and incentive business. Also, major conventions will also make possible inter-sessional and break-out meetings at an increasing range of regional heritage attractions.
What can you tell us about Vision 2020 and the role tourism will play in diversifying Oman’s economy.
The Vision 2020 statement is a cornerstone document. It highlights the role of tourism as an economic sector to diversify the Oman economy from petrochemicals, as well as a platform to showcase Oman internationally and build relations that enhance Oman’s economic and trade prospects as well. The Ministry of Tourism is now involved in prioritising the key projects for the next five-year development programme with an emphasis on sustainability.
Sustainable tourism options seem to be growing in popularity. How is Oman Tourism guiding the industry of eco initiatives?
Sustainability is a priority for Oman as highlighted by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bib Al Said in recent addresses to Ministers and the State Majlis. For the Ministry of Tourism’s part, sustainable tourism policies are being formulated and incorporated into our business operations, and it is refreshing to see how welcome these activities are being taken up. The Ministry will also run a significant conference on this subject in 2010.
There are plans to double hotel capacity over the next few years. What can you tell us on that? What market segments will see the most development?
Yes, our development roll-out is intended to deliver a substantial boost in hotel rooms, doubling by 2015. in 2009, we were delighted to see the Mirbat Beach Resort open in Dohfar, coming on the back of the Inn’s opening earlier this year, and Ibis’ opening.
PULL QUOTE Our focus is to ensure our guests leave here with a memory of Arabia, not the interior of a meeting room or convention centre.
