H.E. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi is Oman’s Minister of Tourism, a role he has held since 2012. He previously served the Sultanate of Oman in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador to several countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
H.E. Al Mahrizi has once again offered up his highly experienced viewpoints in a repeat interview with The Business Year, where he talked about Oman’s new flagship international airport in Muscat, his country’s regional-trend-bucking venture into budget aviation, and the ministry’s unusually patient long-term strategy for boosting tourism.
The full article can be read here at The Business Year. Below are some of the most notable quotes from the interview with H.E. Al Mahrizi:
On Oman’s newest international airports and expansion of access to the Sultanate via air:
The new Muscat International Airport and the recently launched airport in Salalah will be the new aviation gateways for Oman. Oman has an ambitious aviation strategy, clearly manifested in these highly sophisticated infrastructure that ensures that tourists have positive first experience. Oman’s budget carrier, Salam Air, recently added Tbilisi and Baku to its network. Airport improvements across the Sultanate have focused on implementing modern technology within contemporary Omani design, and the addition of world-class terminal amenities to significantly enhance the passenger experience and reflect the very best of Oman’s renowned hospitality.
On the new routes and fleet of Oman’s flagship airline:
Oman Air, the Sultanate’s four-star Skytrax airline, continues to expand its route network and modernize its fleet of aircraft. The airline currently flies to 54 destinations around the world and continues to explore new markets for future destination opportunities. Recent successful route launches include Casablanca and Istanbul, while Maldives, Moscow, and Athens will be added in the short term. Within Oman, the airline continues to increase frequencies on popular routes—such as Muscat-Salalah—to facilitate air connectivity for both Omanis and international visitors seeking to explore beyond Muscat. Oman Air operates one of the youngest fleets of ultra-modern narrow- and wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAXs and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
On Oman’s long-term National Tourism Strategy:
We are currently implementing our 2040 Tourism Strategy. The strategy will be using five planning concepts, namely: tourism sites and attractions, clusters, resorts, and touristic zones of national interests and itineraries. The Ministry of Tourism realizes the key role tourism can play in enhancing the standard of living of Omanis across the country.
On making tourism investments in Oman more streamlined for investors:
The Ministry of Tourism has revamped licensing procedures to make it simple and speedy for interested players to consider Oman as an investment destination.
For the complete story along with additional interviews with Omani business leaders, be sure to check out the full article at The Business Year.
