MUSCAT -- Muscat is selected as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2012; this was officially launched yesterday at Al Bustan Palace Hotel under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat. The launch was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and the Muscat 2012 Organising Committee.
The ceremony included announcing the winning 'Muscat 2012 Brand' which was designed by Muna al Mashaniya. The ministry's brand competition attracted over 380 entries presenting several artistic designs; however the winning one was extremely beautiful and it sufficiently portrayed the capital. Dr Bandar bin Fahed al Fahed, President of Arab Tourism Organisation, and Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Tourism Minister were also present on the occasion.
Commenting on this occasion, Al Khalili said: "Selecting Muscat as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2012 should be translated into tangible things in reality. This was made possible by the untiring efforts of the entire society and the ministry. The ministry will do its role while other authorities, private sector and citizens are requested to contribute in this."
Today, Muscat has improved beyond recognition, but has never lost its pride in its pristine Omani heritage and culture. It is a leading example of intelligent and artistic development that combines the ancient and modern modes of a city. Selecting Muscat as the Capital of the Arab Tourism will be a good opportunity to attract more visitors to the Sultanate in 2012.
This will be achieved through organising various new and unique events and activities throughout a year-long calendar of internationally significant arts, sports and cultural tourism events. The events will be announced every three months throughout the year while the Sultanate is celebrating Muscat being the Capital of Arab Tourism. The first period of celebrating this occasion will start from January and last till March 2012.
Muscat has been selected due to its rich topographical and historical diversity in addition to the natural beauty. It has much to offer to its travellers and visitors. Oman, in general, has recently been largely attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.
The Sultanate is distinguished with many remarkable tourism features in addition to its strategic location as a gateway between the east and west of the world as well as the security and political stability.
The Sultanate's various tourism attractions play a vital role to make it a significant international tourism destination. Therefore, the government spares no efforts to promote the Sultanate to tourists from around the world and to enable them to enjoy the natural and historical treasures of Oman.
Now, with a commendable infrastructure firmly in place, a wide range of international hotels and a wealth of things to see and do, Oman is ready to offer its traditional and warm hospitality to its visitors from all over the world.
As a matter of fact, tourism sector in the Sultanate is undergoing notable progress as nationally significant projects come on line such as major airports, resorts and the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In recent years, with the remarkable development in this sector and the diversity of alternatives available to tourists and investors, it has become very necessary to intensify tourism promotion programmes and plans.
Tourism has a great impact on different sectors in any country around the world; it helps to find job opportunities and stimulate the movement of trade and cultural exchange between countries throughout the dynamic competition in this sector.
© Oman Daily Observer 2012
