Monday, September 16, 2024 The governorate of Dhofar in Oman is currently experiencing a significant boost in tourism, with visitor numbers surpassing one million during the ongoing khareef season, a notable 9% increase from the previous year. As part of this surge, Dhofar is gearing up to host the World Theatre Festival in October, an event that will elevate the region’s cultural standing as the largest theatre festival in the Arab world and the fifth-largest globally. Additionally, the “Marhaba Dhofar” initiative is set to further strengthen tourism ties between Dhofar and Saudi Arabia.
This cultural and tourism boom comes as Dhofar’s scenic landscapes and cooler khareef weather continue to attract tourists from Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and beyond. The region’s natural beauty and cultural offerings are positioning it as a premier destination for both leisure and cultural tourism, creating long-term benefits for Oman’s travel and tourism industry. Record-Breaking Tourist Influx During Khareef Season According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Dhofar had already welcomed 1,006,635 tourists by the end of August 2024, marking a 9% rise compared to the same period in 2023.
Omani nationals made up the majority of visitors, accounting for 713,105 of the total, followed by tourists from GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, who numbered 171,762. The khareef season, which brings cooler weather and lush landscapes to Dhofar, remains a major draw for tourists, especially those seeking relief from the heat in other parts of the region. Most visitors travel by land, further emphasizing the geographical advantage Dhofar holds within the GCC for road trips and family vacations.
This influx of tourists is not just a seasonal occurrence but is reflective of Dhofar’s growing prominence in the global tourism industry. The increased numbers signal that the region is effectively capitalizing on its natural beauty, making it a key player in Oman’s overall tourism strategy. The World Theatre Festival: A Cultural Milestone Dhofar’s upcoming World Theatre Festival, set to take place in October, is a landmark event for the region.
According to Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, this festival will significantly boost Dhofar’s cultural profile by bringing participants from several countries. As the largest theatre festival in the Arab world and the fifth-largest globally, it offers an unprecedented platform for cultural exchange, showcasing Dhofar as a cultural hub.
The festival follows the success of the recently concluded Dhofar International Film Festival, which featured 200 films from 18 countries, with 41 films advancing to the final competition. The film festival not only highlighted Oman’s growing influence in the world of cinema but also underscored the sultanate’s ongoing support for young filmmakers and the arts. Ghassani stressed the importance of events like these in promoting cultural awareness and global exchange.
Oman’s growing prominence in the fields of art and documentary filmmaking, evidenced by international awards in recent years, adds to the momentum. With the World Theatre Festival, Dhofar is poised to further enhance its cultural identity, attracting both tourists and global participants to the region. Marhaba Dhofar: Strengthening Tourism Ties with Saudi Arabia Another significant development is the “Marhaba Dhofar” initiative, which is scheduled to begin on Monday with the participation of 40 Saudi tourism companies and 13 media professionals.
Organized by Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the initiative aims to showcase Dhofar’s main attractions, including Salalah’s beaches, green mountains, and key archaeological sites, while promoting closer tourism ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The event will provide Saudi tourism professionals with firsthand experience of what Dhofar has to offer, encouraging them to promote the destination to Saudi travelers. This initiative is expected to further boost tourism numbers from Saudi Arabia, a key market for Oman’s tourism industry.
By showcasing the beauty and cultural significance of Dhofar, the Marhaba Dhofar initiative is strategically positioned to enhance tourism cooperation between the two countries, creating new opportunities for growth in the travel sector. Impact on the Travel Industry The impact of these developments on Oman’s travel industry is expected to be significant. Dhofar’s blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions will likely draw a more diverse range of visitors, positioning it as a multi-faceted destination that appeals to both leisure and cultural tourists.
The combination of festivals, natural landscapes, and strategic partnerships with neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia places Dhofar in a strong position for future tourism growth. Global Effects on Travelers These developments are expected to resonate globally, particularly among cultural tourists who are increasingly seeking destinations that offer both natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. The World Theatre Festival, in particular, is likely to attract participants and visitors from across the world, showcasing Oman’s commitment to promoting global cultural exchange.
The Marhaba Dhofar initiative will also enhance Dhofar’s visibility among Saudi travelers, strengthening cross-border tourism and adding to the region’s international appeal. With these initiatives, Dhofar is positioned to become a key cultural and tourism destination on the global stage. International travelers seeking both natural landscapes and cultural enrichment are likely to find Dhofar an appealing option, further boosting its profile in the global tourism industry.
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