TravTalk India Online Magazine
Oman is positioning itself as a leading destination for Indian travellers. In an exclusive interview with TRAVTALK, Shabib Al Maamari, MD, Visit Oman, outlines strategies, including the promotion of Oman as a wedding destination, to attract Indian visitors.
Dr Shehara Fernando
Oman is rapidly gaining traction among Indian tourists due to its geographical closeness, cultural connections, and bespoke travel experiences. Shabib Al Maamari, Managing Director, Visit Oman, emphasised the significance of Indian market, describing the Indian middle class as a highly desirable segment due to their frequent travel and spending power. “The Indian middle class is one of the most sought-after segments for every inbound destination. They travel frequently, spend generously, and truly enjoy their experiences,” he stated.
Cultural affinity between India and Oman plays a crucial role in this strategy. “There is a lot of influence when it comes to history, when it comes to food and even language and terminologies, and to me, this is something that we need to take advantage of and introduce the right kind of product for India,” Al Maamari said.
Oman is also promoting itself as a premier wedding destination. “The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism did a very good job promoting Oman as a wedding destination. This helps in marketing the destination. You get a group of people for a few days, but the amount of money they bring in for a single event is massive,” he explained. This strategy not only drives immediate revenue but also enhances Oman’s global image as a luxury destination.
Beyond leisure, Visit Oman is keen to grow its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. “There is a very good chance that Oman becomes a serious market for Indian MICE operators. We would like to activate that,” Al Maamari shared.
Efforts are underway to customise experiences for Indian operators and travellers, ensuring that Oman’s offerings align with their preferences. Facilitating travel is a priority for Visit Oman. The online visa application system simplifies the process for Indian visitors, and the organisation also offers case-by-case assistance for added convenience. Regular roadshows and strategic partnerships with online travel agencies further strengthen Oman’s outreach. Through these targeted initiatives, Oman is poised to capture a significant share of the Indian travel market, offering a seamless, luxurious experience while setting new benchmarks in regional tourism.
