Developing sustainable tourism in Dhofar Governorate
Oman Air plays an important role during these events by increasing its daily flight schedule to Salalah International Airport and supporting institutional activities with relevant programmes.
The surge in flight traffic to Salalah Airport presents an opportunity for domestic carriers, including Oman Air and SalamAir, as the Salalah khareef season is one of the most attractive tourist events in the region.
The direct air link between Muscat and Salalah makes it easier and more convenient for tourists to travel, not only during the khareef season but year-round.
Economically, the season brings numerous benefits: increased tourism revenues for airlines, revitalisation of the hospitality sector, and growth in entertainment-related services.
It also generates both temporary and permanent job opportunities in transportation, retail, and tourism services — opportunities that should primarily benefit citizens. Moreover, it supports local commerce and contributes to the development of the region's infrastructure.
Socially, khareef activities help strengthen cultural identity and raise awareness of local heritage through events and festivals.
They foster engagement between the local community and visitors, encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding, while also promoting environmental and heritage preservation.
Despite these positives, it is also important to consider the economic and social challenges associated with such activities. The high influx of visitors can strain infrastructure and services, increasing operational costs for government institutions.
It may also cause price hikes during the season and contribute to negative environmental impacts.
Relevant authorities are mindful of these issues, regularly publishing reports and messages that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the Salalah khareef season.
Still, the season plays a critical role in stimulating local economic growth and driving infrastructure development through public and private investment, particularly in modernising tourist areas, roads, and health facilities — delivering long-term benefits to the governorate.
The season attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, enriching cultural interaction and fostering a broader sense of tolerance and understanding.
To ensure sustainable tourism growth in Dhofar throughout the year, it is essential to stimulate continuous air traffic to Salalah Airport and enhance international connectivity. The current scarcity of direct flights to and from international destinations diminishes the governorate's appeal to global travellers.
There is a pressing need for more tourism facilities, marketing initiatives, and attractive offers targeting Gulf, Arab, and international markets.
This includes reducing the cost of flight operations to Salalah, making it more affordable for a wider range of travellers. Hotel and accommodation prices should also be made more competitive.
Furthermore, efforts should focus on launching annual promotional campaigns, negotiating with international and regional airlines to establish direct routes, and improving transport links between the airport and key tourist destinations. Offering incentives and financial facilities — such as reduced airport usage fees — can help attract airlines, along with streamlining travel procedures.
By implementing these measures, Salalah Airport can grow into a key travel and tourism hub in the region, boosting year-round demand and contributing to the sustainable development of Dhofar Governorate.
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2 days ago
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Developing sustainable tourism in Dhofar Governorate
The collective efforts of official institutions and civil society are complementary in providing greater attention and success to the Salalah khareef season events, which attract thousands of citizens and visitors from outside the region. Oman Air plays an important role during these events by increasing its daily flight schedule to Salalah International Airport and supporting institutional activities with relevant programmes. The surge in flight traffic to Salalah Airport presents an opportunity for domestic carriers, including Oman Air and SalamAir, as the Salalah khareef season is one of the most attractive tourist events in the region. The direct air link between Muscat and Salalah makes it easier and more convenient for tourists to travel, not only during the khareef season but year-round. Economically, the season brings numerous benefits: increased tourism revenues for airlines, revitalisation of the hospitality sector, and growth in entertainment-related services. It also generates both temporary and permanent job opportunities in transportation, retail, and tourism services — opportunities that should primarily benefit citizens. Moreover, it supports local commerce and contributes to the development of the region's infrastructure. Socially, khareef activities help strengthen cultural identity and raise awareness of local heritage through events and festivals. They foster engagement between the local community and visitors, encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding, while also promoting environmental and heritage preservation. Despite these positives, it is also important to consider the economic and social challenges associated with such activities. The high influx of visitors can strain infrastructure and services, increasing operational costs for government institutions. It may also cause price hikes during the season and contribute to negative environmental impacts. Relevant authorities are mindful of these issues, regularly publishing reports and messages that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the Salalah khareef season. Still, the season plays a critical role in stimulating local economic growth and driving infrastructure development through public and private investment, particularly in modernising tourist areas, roads, and health facilities — delivering long-term benefits to the governorate. The season attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, enriching cultural interaction and fostering a broader sense of tolerance and understanding. To ensure sustainable tourism growth in Dhofar throughout the year, it is essential to stimulate continuous air traffic to Salalah Airport and enhance international connectivity. The current scarcity of direct flights to and from international destinations diminishes the governorate's appeal to global travellers. There is a pressing need for more tourism facilities, marketing initiatives, and attractive offers targeting Gulf, Arab, and international markets. This includes reducing the cost of flight operations to Salalah, making it more affordable for a wider range of travellers. Hotel and accommodation prices should also be made more competitive. Furthermore, efforts should focus on launching annual promotional campaigns, negotiating with international and regional airlines to establish direct routes, and improving transport links between the airport and key tourist destinations. Offering incentives and financial facilities — such as reduced airport usage fees — can help attract airlines, along with streamlining travel procedures. By implementing these measures, Salalah Airport can grow into a key travel and tourism hub in the region, boosting year-round demand and contributing to the sustainable development of Dhofar Governorate.
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Indians dominate air travellers in Oman: NCSI
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'very event is delivered straight from the heart'
Reema al Sajwani, a young Omani figure in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, which plays a significant role in the tourism industry, believes that every event that hosts people is delivered straight from the heart. The story of Reema, a leading female entrepreneur in the events industry, is an inspiring tale that showcases how courage, vision and clarity can lead to success. Her hard work and determination helped her overcome numerous challenges to become the successful woman she is today. Her name has become synonymous with the next wave of female entrepreneurs in the events industry after organising key events both in and outside of Oman in recent years. "No one knew who Reema al Sajwani was when I organised my first event, but I am grateful that I introduced myself through high-quality performance and achieved my goals," said Reema, the Founder and Chairperson of Reema Integrated Projects Company, a renowned event management firm. She has successfully organised fashion shows, events and exhibitions and is a member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "In today's competitive business environment, the events industry is an excellent career choice for women aspiring to be entrepreneurs. Role models like Reema show that success is achievable and may inspire the next generation of women to start their own event management companies," she affirmed. Reema has received numerous accolades and her organisation was recognise by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for five consecutive years as the most supportive firm for managing events and conferences to aid SMEs. "The journey has never been smooth. There were turbulence and storms, but I overcame them all and sailed to success because I always believed that challenges are the secret to success. I believed in myself and my abilities to achieve my goals and I did," she smiled. According to Reema, SMEs are crucial for a nation's development as they are the primary engine of economic growth, job creation and social progress. They contribute to GDP, drive innovation and enhance economic competitiveness. Reema's efforts to empower SMEs are commendable. She has supported several SMEs with her exceptional leadership, event management skills and entrepreneurial expertise. Reema believes that effective leadership is essential for business growth and long-term success and her company, Reema Integrated Projects Company, has been expanding horizontally under her astute leadership. In addition to her strong educational background, Reema is a researcher in entrepreneurship innovation, holds a certificate in the exhibition industry, and has a diploma in fashion design. She has been recognised as one of the guiding stars among other Arab women leaders who have made significant contributions to the events industry recently.
