Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has opened a tourism representation office for the Sultanate in China. 

The year-long contract lasts from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2022 and it is renewable. The step comes within the context of a comprehensive system to develop and renew marketing plans and programs being conducted by the Ministry to promote the Sultanate’s tourism attractions through its offices abroad.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism deemed it necessary to expand its activities in the Chinese market after the number of tourists from the People’s Republic of China increased by 141% in 2018 and 2019 to 219,717.

In particular, the office in China will serve as a link connecting visitors of Expo Dubai 2020 to tourism packages that include visiting the Sultanate during the Expo’s period.

The tourism representation office will play a role in raising the awareness of target Chinese visitors through campaigns aimed at promoting the Sultanate as a key tourism destination.

The office will also cement ties between local sector partners (companies and hotels) an Oman their Chinese counterparts. It seeks to generate maximum benefits from the tourism sector. The office will establish long-range business relations that benefit both sides.