The Tourism Ministry of the small Gulf Sultanate of Oman has set its sights on attracting 12 million foreign tourists a year by 2020, compared to 3.2 million a year at the moment.
Both the government and private financiers are expected to invest some $10 billion in various tourism projects to reach this goal.
One of the main investments will be the upgrading of Muscat International Airport, the main air gateway to the country located outside the capital Muscat, by adding a new terminal and a new runway, while upgrading the current runway so that it will be able to handle Airbus’s A380 super jumbo jet. A 6,000-seat conventions area will be constructed adjacent to the airport.
Three smaller airports will also be constructed in Nazwa, Duqm and ‘Salala to facilitate opportunities for passengers arriving in Muscat to explore these areas as well.
About 10 integrated resort-style developments are also planned for construction in various parts of the country.
Entering the country has also been made easier since the government recently changed visa regulations so that citizens from some 60 countries can now apply for a visa upon arrival instead of having to apply in advance.
Oman traces its history back as far as 10,000 years ago. Early conquers included the Babylonian, Assyrian and Persian empires, which all established fortified trading positions along the coast. These forts are today very well preserved and some of the most famous features of the country.
The importance of Oman as a trading post continued well into the 16th century when Portugal established several trading posts in the country, in order to facilitate trade with India.