Muscat – H E Dr Laila Ahmed Awad al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, has issued Decision No 397/2024 officially establishing Oman Tourism Association.

The association is dedicated to promoting the tourism sector in alignment with national efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth. This initiative aims to highlight Oman’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and diverse attractions, while increasing the sultanate’s visibility on the global tourism map and encouraging domestic tourism.

The decision outlines that the association will contribute to organising and improving tourism services across the sultanate in a manner that benefits stakeholders and complies with existing laws and regulations. It will also work to promote Oman as a premier tourist destination in collaboration with relevant authorities.

The association is tasked with enhancing cooperation, implementing best practices in tourism business ethics, and supporting members and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in growing their businesses. Additionally, it will provide a platform for presenting ideas, conducting research and publishing materials such as magazines and brochures. It aims to recommend actionable policies to address challenges in the tourism sector while leveraging opportunities in coordination with relevant authorities.

The association will also focus on maximising local content in the tourism sector by implementing programmes and initiatives to enhance the growth of local added value.

The decision stipulates that the association’s board of directors will consist of five to 12 members, serving a term of two years. Its funding sources may include options beyond member subscriptions, such as government aid, revenues from activities, profits and interest from investments within the bounds of applicable laws, and other financial revenues approved by the ministry.

This decision, issued on December 18 took effect immediately.

Data from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) shows that tourism indicators increased in January-October 2024 compared to the same period last year. The number of visitors to the sultanate increased to 3.2mn.

This growth can be attributed to ongoing efforts of MHT to attract more international visitors to the country.