Arab News, Wed, Dec 27, 2023 | Jamada Al-Aakhirah 14, 1445
Saudi Arabia and Oman forge partnership to boost tourism in the Gulf region
Saudi Arabia,Oman:
International travel in the Gulf region is set to boost as Saudi Arabia and Oman
have initiated discussions on initiatives for developing joint tourism programs.
In a virtual committee meeting for activating the
Saudi-Omani partnership in the field of tourism, officials from both countries
expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in the sector.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, they also
intended to exert efforts toward sustainable tourism development and promote the
region as a tourist destination.
The committee also discussed increasing the number
of seasonal flights between the two countries, aligning with the Gulf Tourism
Strategy.
Chaired by Saudi Deputy Minister of Tourism for
International Affairs Sultan Al-Musallam, the meeting saw the participation of
the Omani undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Azzan
Al-Busaidi, and several other senior officials from both sides.
By strengthening this strategic partnership
through initiatives to develop joint tourism programs, the countries aspire to
attract more international tourists to the region, the SPA reported.
In October, the committee discussed enhancing
cooperation in free zones and economic cities to boost trade further.
During the meeting in Riyadh, officials reviewed
significant investment opportunities for the targeted sectors, incentives and
facilities proposed for the integrated economic zone project in Dhahirah and its
role in increasing the trade volume between the two countries, according to the
Oman News Agency.
The committee is responsible for crafting a
comprehensive plan for the zone’s development in Oman and monitoring the
implementation of all related programs.
Meanwhile, in June, a meeting was held between
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb and his Omani counterpart, Salim
Al-Mahrouqi, where they agreed to introduce a unified tourist visa between the
nations.
They further explored the establishment of a joint
tourism calendar and facilitating seasonal trips between the two countries.
The ministers also discussed boosting trade and
investment cooperation in tourism-related projects and supporting entrepreneurs
participating in the industry.
Furthermore, both parties agreed to implement
joint tourism programs focusing on camping and adventure tourism.