Date: 8 May 2007
Oman Air has made the most of its strong participation in the 14th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2007), the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition, in which was held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) during the period 1 - 4 May 2007. A successful partaking by the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman was witnessed by all means, within this important international event which allows significant interaction between members of the travel and trade industry on a global level.
Usama Karim Al Haremi, Corporate Communication and Media Manager in Oman Air said “In order to keep up with the pace of development and to ensure future investment, Oman Air will continue to focus on participating at global trade events such as the ATM. We have participated with a pavilion occupying 100 sq meters area that we believe, signified our prospect strategies in course of the forthcoming expansion of our operations. Each day was an important business day for us at the event. The Middle East has a bright future, where massive development is being undertaken over the whole region and all eyes seem to be turned towards tourism. Currently the Middle East is a key focus for the international travel and tourism industry, and the world's largest industry which is growing, with airline arrivals expected to double by 2010. The Middle East is the fourth most visited place in the world, and its air passenger traffic is outpacing the global average.”
He further added, “As for the 14th Arabian Travel Market, all records have been broken indeed. ATM 2007 was the largest in its history with some 2,600 participants from 64 countries, nine new-to-the show participants and 116 new companies. With 12,305 visitors and 22,655 total industry attendance on the first three days of the show, reserved for business. Preliminary statistics showed a record 10.4 percent rise in overseas visitors, local visitors were up by 5.3 percent, overall industry attendance rose 8 percent. The show also attracted a record number of journalists, some 977 in the first three days, with a seven percent increase in overseas press. ATM 2007 took up nine halls at (DICEC) - occupying 24,600 square meters, up 11 per cent on last year.”
“Obviously, tourism has become the region’s fastest-growing non-oil sector and will continue to impact economic development in regional countries in the years to come. Tourism is one of the fastest growing service sectors in the Omani economy. The Sultanate of Oman is considered one of the world’s fastest growing holiday destinations, and is perhaps the most naturally-endowed country in the region that provides the "authentic Arabian" experience with a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern. Oman has successfully marketed itself as an alternative tourism spot and has kept a solid grip on its heritage and culture.” Al Haremi stated.
Corporate Communication and Media Manager in Oman Air concluded, “The Sultanate of Oman has used its comparatively modest oil wealth well. Oil will not be able to sustain the nation for ever, but Oman's landscape, its ancient times forts, and its 1700 kilometers of coastline spread with dive sites, its wealth of archaeology and its desert expeditions, besides the government’s significant efforts to attract foreign investment and activate the private sector through offering numerous financial incentives and support for foreign investors, will without doubt be drawing visitors in large numbers to our beloved country Oman.”