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Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Dhofar gears up for khareef with 100 tourist sites, 7,300 rooms
SALALAH, June 7 Dhofar Governorate is gearing up for its signature tourism season with a marked increase in hospitality capacity, as the number of licensed establishments reaches 100, offering 7,300 rooms, the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed. The expansion — driven by new hotel openings in Salalah, Taqah and Mirbat — is part of wider preparations for Khareef 2025, a key period for tourism in Oman. 'This capacity growth reflects our strategic focus on readiness and service excellence,' said Abdullah bin Omar al Sabbah Baaboud, Assistant Director of the Promotion Department in Dhofar. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, he noted, is working in tandem with stakeholders to upgrade tourism infrastructure and attract further investment into the hospitality sector. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a vital contributor to economic diversification and local development. According to official data, Dhofar welcomed 1.048 million visitors during the Khareef 2024 season, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. Omani visitors surged by 70.1 per cent to over 734,500, while Gulf visitors rose 16.9 per cent, reaching nearly 177,000. Visitors from other Arab nations also posted a modest increase of 3.6 per cent. By end-2024, Dhofar had 83 licensed hotel properties offering 6,537 rooms. The additional supply — set to reach 100 hotels by summer 2025 — aims to meet rising demand and expand accommodation options for a diverse visitor base. The 2024 season also featured a significantly extended calendar of events, running for 90 consecutive days. Activities ranged from cultural showcases and family entertainment to sporting attractions such as the Salalah International Cycling Tour, drawing broad audience engagement across the governorate. The ministry implemented targeted marketing campaigns, participated in international travel exhibitions; and organised media and trade familiarisation trips. Social media outreach also intensified, partnering with regional influencers to reinforce Dhofar's profile as a leading monsoon destination. Officials expect further growth in visitor arrivals over the coming seasons, supported by continuous infrastructure upgrades and broader investment in tourism services. With Khareef tourism now a centrepiece of Dhofar's economic strategy, the governorate is on track to solidify its standing as a premier destination in the Arabian Peninsula.
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar's Winter Season draws global tourists with its diverse attractions
Muscat: The winter season in Dhofar Governorate has established itself as a premier tourist attraction, showcasing the region's unique and diverse offerings. The season attracts visitors from across the globe, with a particular influx from European countries. Organised tourist groups arrive annually from nations including Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Switzerland, all eager to explore the historical and natural wonders of Dhofar. These groups enjoy visits to archaeological sites such as Al Baleed, Sumhuram, and Al Shisr, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, and the historic forts of Taqah and Mirbat. Traditional markets, such as the Gold and Silver Souk, and the natural beauty of the Jabal Samhan Reserve also prove to be significant draws. For those seeking adventure, Dhofar offers a range of activities including free walking, mountain biking, and sandboarding, alongside marine pursuits like diving and kayaking. Winter desert tourism, a favourite among foreign visitors, extends from Wadi Dokah in Thumrait, home to the frankincense tree reserve, to the Al Shisr area, renowned for its captivating sand dunes and stunning sunsets. Tourists can immerse themselves in Bedouin life, enjoying camel rides and fresh camel milk. The expansive sand dunes, stretching through the desert areas of Dhofar, including Hashman Sands and Ramlat Jadhila in the Niyabat of Mitin, Wilayat of Al Mazyouna, provide a truly unique experience. Marwan bin Abdul Hakeem Al Ghassani, Director of the Promotion Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's commitment to positioning Dhofar as a leading regional and international tourist destination. Promotional efforts intensify during the winter season, targeting global markets through familiarisation trips, media delegations, participation in international tourism exhibitions, and extensive advertising campaigns. The success of these efforts is evident in the attraction of new markets, with direct flights now operating from Uzbekistan and Belarus to Salalah Airport. The number of charter flight tourists exceeded 70,000 last year, and preliminary data indicates a further increase this season. Saeed bin Ahmed Rir Omar, CEO and owner of Al Fawaz Tourism Office, highlighted the year-on-year growth of foreign tourism in Oman, attributing it to agreements with international tourism offices. The company regularly receives groups from European countries, and has established partnerships with tourism companies in Dubai, Poland, Austria, Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, and other countries, to organise direct flights to Salalah. Alawi bin Mohammed Ba'alawi, a tour guide, attributed the significant annual growth in European and other international tourism to Oman's security, stability, and renowned archaeological sites. He also emphasised the valuable job creation that tourism provides. Petra Nawrocka, a tour guide at Slovakian travel agency Sator Travel, shared her positive experiences, highlighting the natural beauty, the generosity of the Omani people, and the high quality of hotels. She particularly praised the Rub' al Khali desert, the beaches, and the historical sites. The safety and stability of Oman were also key factors in its appeal. The unique experience of camel-related activities, and the Omani's relationship with their camels, left a lasting impression on her groups. She concluded that the positive feelings visitors take home are the reason for their repeated visits. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
17-03-2025
- Times of Oman
Dhofar's Winter Season draws global tourists with its diverse attractions
Muscat: The winter season in Dhofar Governorate has established itself as a premier tourist attraction, showcasing the region's unique and diverse offerings. The season attracts visitors from across the globe, with a particular influx from European countries. Organised tourist groups arrive annually from nations including Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Switzerland, all eager to explore the historical and natural wonders of Dhofar. These groups enjoy visits to archaeological sites such as Al Baleed, Sumhuram, and Al Shisr, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, and the historic forts of Taqah and Mirbat. Traditional markets, such as the Gold and Silver Souk, and the natural beauty of the Jabal Samhan Reserve also prove to be significant draws. For those seeking adventure, Dhofar offers a range of activities including free walking, mountain biking, and sandboarding, alongside marine pursuits like diving and kayaking. Winter desert tourism, a favourite among foreign visitors, extends from Wadi Dokah in Thumrait, home to the frankincense tree reserve, to the Al Shisr area, renowned for its captivating sand dunes and stunning sunsets. Tourists can immerse themselves in Bedouin life, enjoying camel rides and fresh camel milk. The expansive sand dunes, stretching through the desert areas of Dhofar, including Hashman Sands and Ramlat Jadhila in the Niyabat of Mitin, Wilayat of Al Mazyouna, provide a truly unique experience. Marwan bin Abdul Hakeem Al Ghassani, Director of the Promotion Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's commitment to positioning Dhofar as a leading regional and international tourist destination. Promotional efforts intensify during the winter season, targeting global markets through familiarisation trips, media delegations, participation in international tourism exhibitions, and extensive advertising campaigns. The success of these efforts is evident in the attraction of new markets, with direct flights now operating from Uzbekistan and Belarus to Salalah Airport. The number of charter flight tourists exceeded 70,000 last year, and preliminary data indicates a further increase this season. Saeed bin Ahmed Rir Omar, CEO and owner of Al Fawaz Tourism Office, highlighted the year-on-year growth of foreign tourism in Oman, attributing it to agreements with international tourism offices. The company regularly receives groups from European countries, and has established partnerships with tourism companies in Dubai, Poland, Austria, Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, and other countries, to organise direct flights to Salalah. Alawi bin Mohammed Ba'alawi, a tour guide, attributed the significant annual growth in European and other international tourism to Oman's security, stability, and renowned archaeological sites. He also emphasised the valuable job creation that tourism provides. Petra Nawrocka, a tour guide at Slovakian travel agency Sator Travel, shared her positive experiences, highlighting the natural beauty, the generosity of the Omani people, and the high quality of hotels. She particularly praised the Rub' al Khali desert, the beaches, and the historical sites. The safety and stability of Oman were also key factors in its appeal. The unique experience of camel-related activities, and the Omani's relationship with their camels, left a lasting impression on her groups. She concluded that the positive feelings visitors take home are the reason for their repeated visits.
