12 May 2007
MUSCAT -- A seminar on Oman's appeal as a unique tourism destination was the highlight of the Oman Travel Market (OTM), a three-day exhibition focusing on the Sultanate's travel, leisure and hospitality industry, which concluded on the weekend. The seminar, highlighting the theme 'Oman -- A Unique Destination', was organised by OITE and sponsored by Oman Tourism Development Company -- Omran. Omran has been established to showcase the attributes and promote all facets of the tourism industry through a process of planned development. Omran's primary development and investment focus is on tourism through hotels and resorts, leisure facilities and other related business amenities.
A number of presentations during the seminar highlighted the diverse appeal of Oman's tourism wealth. Following a brief welcome address by Ahmed Saleh Baabood, Managing Director -- OITE, the seminar began with a talk by Dr Benno Boer, UNESCO's Natural Science Programme Specialist, on UNESCO's contribution in conserving world natural heritage sites and sanctuaries. He outlined plans for a biosphere reserve in Jabal Samhan in Dhofar Governorate, as well as UNESCO's support for various tourism and conservation initiatives in the Sultanate.
A presentation by Dr Mehdi Ahmed Jaffar, Vice President of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), listed some of the threats to Oman's turtle nesting sites from tourist and developmental activities. Turtle-based tourism is feasible, but requires careful planning with expert consultation and continuous monitoring, he stressed. There were also a joint presentation by Said al Musharfi and Haitham al Ghassani of the Ministry of Tourism on tourism development projects around the Sultanate, while a paper by Karema al Farsi of the Omani-French Museum, looked at the role of museums in attracting tourists in Oman. Other speakers included Robert O'Hanlon of Deloitte and Touche (ME), Anwar al Jabry of Golden Oryx Tours, and Issa al Mughairy of Oman Tourism College.
MUSCAT -- A seminar on Oman's appeal as a unique tourism destination was the highlight of the Oman Travel Market (OTM), a three-day exhibition focusing on the Sultanate's travel, leisure and hospitality industry, which concluded on the weekend. The seminar, highlighting the theme 'Oman -- A Unique Destination', was organised by OITE and sponsored by Oman Tourism Development Company -- Omran. Omran has been established to showcase the attributes and promote all facets of the tourism industry through a process of planned development. Omran's primary development and investment focus is on tourism through hotels and resorts, leisure facilities and other related business amenities.
A number of presentations during the seminar highlighted the diverse appeal of Oman's tourism wealth. Following a brief welcome address by Ahmed Saleh Baabood, Managing Director -- OITE, the seminar began with a talk by Dr Benno Boer, UNESCO's Natural Science Programme Specialist, on UNESCO's contribution in conserving world natural heritage sites and sanctuaries. He outlined plans for a biosphere reserve in Jabal Samhan in Dhofar Governorate, as well as UNESCO's support for various tourism and conservation initiatives in the Sultanate.
A presentation by Dr Mehdi Ahmed Jaffar, Vice President of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), listed some of the threats to Oman's turtle nesting sites from tourist and developmental activities. Turtle-based tourism is feasible, but requires careful planning with expert consultation and continuous monitoring, he stressed. There were also a joint presentation by Said al Musharfi and Haitham al Ghassani of the Ministry of Tourism on tourism development projects around the Sultanate, while a paper by Karema al Farsi of the Omani-French Museum, looked at the role of museums in attracting tourists in Oman. Other speakers included Robert O'Hanlon of Deloitte and Touche (ME), Anwar al Jabry of Golden Oryx Tours, and Issa al Mughairy of Oman Tourism College.
© Oman Daily Observer 2007
