【By Observer News, Wang Yong / Editor: Zhao Qianjin】

To strengthen tourism ties with China and attract more Chinese travelers, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman held resource promotion events in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, which have drawn attention from foreign media.

According to a recent report by Oman's The Arabian Stories website, this initiative aims to showcase Oman's tourism resources, explore cooperation opportunities with Chinese tourism institutions, and enhance Oman's appeal in the Chinese market.

Oman's Muttrah Bay, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman

The report identifies China as one of the global markets with the most growth potential, noting that its tourist group is known for high spending power and a demand for journeys that combine natural landscapes, cultural depth, and authentic experiences. Oman has the sufficient conditions to attract this rapidly growing high-end segment, with features such as ancient Arab castles, UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, and top-tier luxury resorts.

More importantly, Oman's firm commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly products precisely aligns with the core value demands of Chinese tourists for responsible travel. This "balance between protection and development" model can provide high-quality service experiences to tourists while preserving natural heritage, forming a unique attraction for China's high-net-worth travelers who emphasize travel quality and social responsibility.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman to Observer News, H.E. Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi, Deputy Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, stated during the tourism roadshow, "In 2023, the fastest-growing market for international tourists entering Oman was China, with a year-on-year growth of up to 272%. This significant growth is due to Oman's rich and diverse tourism resources."

H.E. Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi emphasized that Oman, like China, has "distinct and authentic national characteristics" and "a warm and hospitable way of welcoming guests." Oman boasts beaches, deserts, canyons, streams, mountains, and oases, earning it the title of "Land of All Things," capable of meeting the deep experience needs of different types of tourists. For marketing and promotion targeting the Chinese market, "Oman is continuously strengthening its digital layout, providing timely and vivid destination information in a way that better suits Chinese user habits."

Luo Wei, Director of Business Development and Travel Industry Market for the China region at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, said that Oman has a rich array of tourism destinations, including majestic mountains, magnificent deserts, clear valleys, pristine coastlines, and UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites. From the starry skies of Wadi Bani Khallid desert to the fragrant rose valleys of Green Mountains, and the mysterious canyons of Wadi Shab and the monsoon forests of Salalah, it is a "miniature planet," and the country is looking forward to more Chinese travelers coming to experience and explore it.

Oman town scenery, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman

The information also mentioned that in order to welcome more Chinese tourists, Oman has implemented a series of tourism-friendly policies. Among them, the most notable is the mutual visa exemption policy between Oman and China, which greatly simplifies the procedures for travelers. In addition, the Beijing-Muscat direct flight launched by China Eastern Airlines on November 30 has built a more convenient air bridge between the two countries, making it easier and more convenient for Chinese tourists to explore this tranquil gem of the Arabian Peninsula.

According to relevant information, at 14:00 on November 30, China Eastern Airlines' MU2051 flight departed from Beijing Daxing International Airport heading to Muscat, the capital of Oman. This inaugural flight carried 270 passengers, with a passenger load rate exceeding 90%. This route is the first direct flight operated by a Chinese airline between the two locations, and will operate once every Wednesday and Sunday thereafter.

The Oman website Omanet reported that the opening of the new Beijing-Muscat flight further promotes trade and tourism exchanges between China and Oman and the entire Middle East region. Before the new route was launched, passengers traveling between China and Oman usually had to transfer through cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul. After the direct flight is opened, the travel efficiency of passengers will be greatly improved, with the journey shortened to within 10 hours, and passengers can conveniently transfer via Beijing Daxing Airport and Muscat Airport to surrounding destinations in East Asia and the Middle East.

The report mentioned that at the ceremony celebrating the opening of the new route, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Oman Saleem emphasized that the prospects for Sino-Omani tourism cooperation are broad. China is an important source market for Oman's tourism, and Oman's unique and authentic experiences have special appeal to Chinese tourists. "With the opening of the direct flight between Beijing and Muscat, travel between the two countries will become much more convenient, and with the current visa exemption policy, it is expected that the number of tourists from China will increase significantly."

International tourism media publication "Travel and Tourism World" reported that Oman is focusing on key international tourist markets, and by opening a direct flight between Beijing and Muscat, it expects to attract a diverse group of tourists, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and enhancing its global tourism influence, while ensuring sustainable growth in its tourism industry.

The report mentioned that Chinese travelers can now reach Oman within a few hours without having to transit through third-party regions, and this convenience strongly supports the development of Oman's hotel industry, tourism operators, and local businesses.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7581758320818602502/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.