Oman recognized as 2015’s top destination by Skift

http://skift.com/2015/01/01/the-skift-pick-heres-the-one-place-to-visit-in-2015/#4

  Dubai, 17 February 2015 - The Sultanate of Oman has been named the top destination for 2015 by Skift, the world’s largest global travel industry intelligence firm. The Sultanate was commended for retaining its Arabian hospitality and traditional Bedouin charm amidst modern developments, enabling tourists to have an immersive experience of the Arab World. The recognition complements the country’s move towards positioning itself as a leading travel destination in the Middle East, by offering its visitors a diversity of offbeat and adventurous packages for short holidays. Recent government figures reveal robust growth in Oman’s inbound tourist flow. According to the National Statistics and Information Center in Oman, nearly 2.1 million tourists visited Oman in 2013. Conveniently located on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate is connected via direct flights to major GCC cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha and other key parts of Asia. In addition, it Oman has become a major port for cruise ships in the Middle East. Aside from excellent connectivity, Oman boasts the presence of luxury resorts and premier hotels carrying renowned names in hospitality such as the Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses, and Shangri La. Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism, said: “It is a great honor for Oman to be recognized as 2015’s top destination offering diverse travel experiences by Skift. This acknowledgment will boost Oman’s tourism in 2015 and keep us moving forward in upgrading our tourism infrastructure with an aim to make the industry a vital contributor to the country’s economy. Oman offers a host of engaging sights and activities to its visitors, including deserts, forts and castles, coasts and beaches, traditional souks and malls, and water sports. Such recognition further reinforces the diversity underpins Oman's tourism product.” "Skift" is a New York-based intelligence and marketing platform, providing news, information, data and services for all sectors of the travel industry. It specializes in identifying and synthesizing existing and emerging global trends in its daily coverage, emerging as a daily tool for top strategists, technologists and marketing experts in travel. Oman has positioned itself as a popular destination for all-year-round tourism, making it a perfect short-break vacation for GCC tourists during the summer and an exciting new alternative for European visitors wishing to escape the cold climates of their countries. Its comfortable climatic conditions all through the year has enabled regional tourists to escape the extreme weather of their countries and enjoy the cool breeze, the pleasant climate, clean beaches, and abundant green mountains along with the Sultanate’s leisure, cultural and historical attractions. Moreover, Oman is gradually gaining popularity as a hub for Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) due to its strategic location on the crossroads of Asia and Europe.