Omans Ministry of Tourism has revealed that the Sultanate posted a huge 43.6 per cent growth in cruise ship travelers from January to December 2019 to reach 283,488 passengers from 193,467 recorded in the course of the same period previous year.

The Ministry attributed the surge to the governments relevant initiatives, together with infrastructural developments, and the ongoing and strengthened tourism campaigns that focus on Omans civilization, culture, heritage, numerous adventures, and famous attractions.

The Ministry stated a total of 284 cruise ships, which will carry thousands of tourists from all over the world, are already scheduled to anchor at the Sultanates three major ports in season 2019/2020, particularly Sultan Qaboos Port (162 cruise ships); Port of Khasab (75 cruise ships); and Port of Salalah (47 cruise ships). The highest arrivals are anticipated all through the winter season that starts in October and ends in April.

The Ministry has been collaborating with relevant government and private sector entities and ship owners and operators to enhance cruise tourism in Oman as well as assist develop the capability and effectivity of local ports to manage large cruise ships. Part of the Ministrys initiatives is quicker license and allow software processes and approvals.

The local cruise industry is fundamental to attracting more global vacationers to the Sultanate. Overall, the national tourism sector performs a vital role in Omans financial diversification and growth.

Abdullah Saif Al Saadi, Head of cruise and charter flights, Ministry of Tourism, said: We aim to entice international cruise ships as part of our overall travel and tourism campaigns. To attain this, we have been enhancing our ports, enforcing the best practices and global standards, and improving our facilities, to name a few. We are additionally planning to make investments in the amenities of Sultan Qaboos Port to entice more cruise ships to make a stopover in Oman. Furthermore, we will proceed to take part in relevant forums and exhibitions as well as carry out promotional campaigns in collaboration with leading cruise lines. We are happy that our efforts have already been paying off as evident in the rising number of cruise ship travelers who are coming into our shores.

He added: Apart from presenting the essential aid to make the Sultanate an captivating and predominant stopover for massive cruise ships, the government has additionally made the licensing process convenient and flexible. We are not stopping there. We have been organizing foremost leisure activities for travelers arriving on board in cooperation with the nearby agents. Running typical souqs to enable our visitors to experience first-hand the Omani traditions is one of these thrilling activities.

The Ministry of Tourism is doing efforts to entice giant cruise ships in line with our national tourism campaigns. Cruise ships are an fundamental phase of our efforts to promote winter tourism. For a long time, the Ministry has been coordinating with local authorities to make sure that the countrys ports remain capable of meeting the needs of cruise ships of all sizes. This year, we are assured that we will surpass our previous accomplishments thanks in part to the Ministrys ongoing partnerships with relevant institutions to make Oman one of the worlds popular cruise ship destinations. By the end of 2019, Oman welcomed 283,844 cruise tourists. We anticipate the number to reach 300,000 in 2020, he further stated.

To be part of the cruise ship itinerary, many nations negotiate with cruise ship groups worldwide. The move displays this segments indispensable role and influence in boosting a countrys tourism industry. Additionally, cruise ship travelers are regarded to go back to a country they have visited before for an opportunity to discover longer its many stunning locations with their families.

In 2019, the large Marella Discovery made a stopover in Oman for the third time. A total of 1,400 passengers 700 arriving and 700 departing vacationers have been exchanged through Muscat International Airport and Sultan Qaboos Port. The cruise ship is slated to come back to Oman for the fourth time on April 16 and 17, 2020, carrying with it 1,800 passengers. The passengers will be exchanged as well, with 900 arriving and 900 departing. This is also predicted to promote winter tourism in Oman.

The giant ship will make 27 stopovers in the distinctive ports of the Sultanate throughout the 2020-2021 period as well. These are 16 visits to Sultan Qaboos Port; eight, Port of Khasab; and three, Port of Salalah.

Moreover, MSC company has been including MSC Bellissima ship to Oman ports in the course of this season 2019-2020. MSC Bellissima is the fifth cruise ship of MSC to make a stopover in Oman after MSC Lirica, Splenida, Magnifica, and Orchestra. During the winter season, MSC Cruises will carry out 49 visits to Sultan Qaboos Port, Khasab Port, and Salalah Port.

The cruise industry is anticipated to not only promote winter tourism however additionally bring huge revenue to the government, consisting of income coming from cruise ship tourists who tour all through the nearby cities.

According to the Ministry, the cruise market helps enhance local tourism, increase economic returns, and diversify the governments sources of income.

The wide variety of cruise ships touring Salalah this year is expected to increase following the improvements at the Port of Salalah, which were made feasible by the Ministrys efforts and collaborations with cruise agents and other relevant organizations. The Ministry stated 284 cruise ships will visit Oman during 2019- 2020 period.