Tourism to contribute $1.93b to Oman's GDP

Muscat: Oman's tourism sector is expected to contribute $1.93 billion (Dh7.10 billion) or around 3 per cent of the country's national GDP in 2011, according to a recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The report also revealed that by 2021 Oman's travel and tourism industry is expected to directly support over 50,000 jobs and that travel and tourism investment will contribute 6 per cent of the country's total investment. This growth will be fostered by a new $1-billion Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (Mice) venue is scheduled for completion in 2014 and is expected to transform Oman into a key destination for major business events.

"The development of the convention centre in Muscat is part of our efforts to establish Oman as an all-round business, leisure and lifestyle destination," said Salem Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotions, Oman Ministry of Tourism. "By building up our Mice offerings we grow closer to tourism targets that we have specifically aligned under the Oman 2020 economic vision."

Spending approved

Oman has already approved the spending of around $8 billion on tourism-related property developments across the country with the Ministry of Tourism aiming to draw in around 12 million visitors a year by 2020.

Tourism related activity during this time is expected to contribute 9.2 per cent of the economy's GDP.