(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Represented by the Ministry of Tourism, the Sultanate is taking apart in the World's Leading Travel Trade Show (ITB 2018), which will take place in the German capital Berlin from the 7th to 11th of March. The Sultanate's delegation is led by His Excellency Ahmed Nasser Al Mahrizi, comprises officials of the Ministry of Tourism and representatives of Tourism Organizations.
What began in 1966 has developed into a unique global success story. The Sultanate has always been keen to participate in ITB Berlin since it is one of the most prestigious tourism events in the world. This global tourism exhibition is an ideal opportunity for the Sultanate to showcase its tourism products and services and to promote the Sultanate as a perfect all-year destination. The event had witnessed the participation of 10,000 organizations such as airlines, privet tourism organizations and much more representing 185 countries, and 170,000 visitors.
ITB Berlin is the largest event concerning the tourism industry, where major organizations and investors from all around the world gather in one spot to exchange knowledge, experiences and build bridges of common interests. Therefore, the Ministry is keen on promoting the Sultanate through this platform to attract international investors and tourists. The exhibitions stand as a perfect opportunity for the ministry to promote the recent major projects, services and products.
The Ministry wants to maintain the tourism promotional status of the Sultanate through various media and specialized tourism organizations. As well, Tourism infrastructure is being rapidly advanced in Oman, the participation this year coincides with opening of the new Muscat International Airport on the 20th of March and the facilities granted by the electronic visa system which will be obtainable from 21st of March. This year, there is distinctive participation from the Oman Geological Society to introduce the leading international scientific experiment on the Sultanate of Oman to simulate the living on Mars.
Further, the Sultanate has recordeda significant growthin the tourism sector, underlyingthe Sultanate's efforts in the tourism development in various elements which is an advantage to promote the latest tourism services, projects and installations and encourage tourism investment. 2017 witnessed an increase in the number of visitors to the Sultanate. The number of visitors increased by 4.7% compared to the previous year. The number of visitors reached 3 million and 300 thousand compared to 3 million and 151 thousand in 2016 to achieve the annual growth rate. The number of hotel establishments increased from 337 establishments in 2016 to 367 in 2017 with a change of 8.9% and an annual growth rate of 6.4% since 2009. These establishments provided 20,581 hotel rooms by the end of 2017 compared to 18825 in 2016.
The Sultanate is currently witnessing a quantum leap in the tourism sector due to the implementation of the tourism development strategy which covers the major projects in the country. A number of major projects in various related vital sectors, notably major infrastructure projects such as the development of airports, ports and road network.
The Ministry of Tourism has an official suite at the ITB Berlin exhibition among 37 other institutions from the Middle East, where is showcasing all that Oman has to offer to international tourist such as hotels, resorts, travel and tourism agencies.
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