Conference delves into expanding marine tourism in Oman

Muscat grape – In a bid to boost maritime tourism, Muscat hosted the Oman Tourism Conference on Monday. More than 100 industry experts, including hoteliers, engineers and artists from the region and India, gathered to discuss the future of maritime facilities in the Sultanate.

The conference, held under the patronage of HE Azzan bin Qassim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, focused on improving infrastructure – including water taxis – and developing collaborative strategies to boost Oman’s tourism sector to take it to a higher level.

The event highlighted successful case studies from cities such as Mumbai, Kochi and Dubai, which demonstrated the positive impact of well-planned maritime tourism infrastructure, developed through public-private partnerships. Experts at the conference presented examples showing how strategic planning and collaboration have boosted tourism and revenues in these cities, providing a model for Oman’s initiatives.

Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner at Crowe Oman, highlighted the potential for significant progress in Oman’s tourism sector, given its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. “Oman is blessed with a diversified topography and an extensive coastline, which if equipped with proper sea travel and entertainment facilities, could make tremendous progress,” he stated.

Echoing this view, Jeevan Sudhakaran, owner of Samudra Shipyard in Kochi, India, noted that the conference was a crucial platform for facilitating dialogue and innovation. “With a strategic focus on improving maritime facilities and promoting partnerships between public and private entities, Oman can position itself as a premier tourism destination, offering unique experiences that highlight its natural beauty and cultural heritage.”

A highlight of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between West Coast Marine of Mumbai and Mohsin Haider Darwish to develop floating jetties in Oman. It is intended that these jetties will fulfill multiple functions, not only for tourists, but also for local fishing communities.

Samir Messaoudi, General Manager of Sheraton Oman Hotel, praised the collaborative nature of the conference and the tangible benefits it promises for the tourism and hospitality sector. He highlighted the potential of integrating art exhibitions and installations in coastal and marine locations, which would add aesthetic value and deepen the cultural richness of Oman’s tourist sites.

This meeting marked a crucial step for Oman in its efforts to leverage its coastal resources to boost economic growth and cultural visibility, which would see the country become a focal point for marine tourism in the near future.