On Monday, Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, met with Ahmed Aqeel Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, to discuss the launch of joint tourism initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector.
The meeting resulted in an agreement to embark on collaborative efforts as a first stage, covering aspects such as promotion, marketing, tourism activation, tourism regulations, and cooperation in the field of air connections and seasonal flights.
Furthermore, the two sides agreed to implement cooperative projects in the realm of camping and adventure tourism. They will also create a calendar of joint tourism events and a program to support small and medium enterprises within the tourism sector.
Al Mahrouqi emphasized the importance of Oman and Saudi Arabia as tourist destinations in the region, thanks to their natural and cultural diversity, as reported by the Times of Oman.
He also highlighted the need to consolidate integration and upgrade the capabilities of both countries so they can occupy a prominent place on the global tourism map. Al Khateeb echoed these sentiments by underscoring the significance of optimizing tourism relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, a framework was drawn out to implement the MoU inked by the two countries on the sidelines of the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, held in Riyadh.
The outlined framework signifies a crucial step in bolstering tourism ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia, ultimately benefiting both nations and their respective tourism industries. This collaborative approach not only strengthens their position in the global market but also sets a precedent for other countries to follow.
The collaboration between Oman and Saudi Arabia presents an excellent opportunity for the outdoor hospitality industry in both countries to grow and evolve. As the interest in camping and adventure tourism continues to rise globally, initiatives like these set a positive example for other nations to follow suit.
In developing joint tourism programs and events, Oman and Saudi Arabia can share knowledge, resources, and best practices in the outdoor hospitality sector.
This partnership has the potential to not only enhance the experiences of visitors to both nations but also foster innovation and sustainability within the industry. By working together, these two countries are poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of outdoor hospitality on a regional and international scale.
With a clear commitment to collaboration and shared growth, Oman and Saudi Arabia are paving the way for a bright future in the tourism sector.