By A Staff Reporter - MUSCAT — The Ministry of Tourism is hosting the largest delegation of European and Scandinavian travel specialists ever to visit the Sultanate. The 120-strong delegation from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Finland arrived here yesterday on a 10-day visit to Oman. The delegates’ programme involves industry meetings, property inspections and familiarisation tours that include Musandam and Salalah.

The initiative highlights Europe’s, and especially Germany’s importance in the Ministry of Tourism’s international marketing strategy. Mohammed al Toobi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism said, “The initiative demonstrates the growing importance of the European market since Oman Air’s decision to inaugurate non-stop Airbus services from Munich, Frankfurt and France last October 2009. In particular, non-stop services to Muscat now allow us to position Oman as both a quality destination and gateway to the GCC region more generally.”

The delegation comprises German (93), Austrian (15), Swiss (8), Denmark (2) and Finland (2) travel specialists who will participate with their Oman counterparts in a two-day workshop and travel fair. The programme comes at an important time in the development of these important inbound markets as illustrated by the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for the year ending June 2010 that show arrivals from Germany to Muscat International Airport jumped 113 per cent (17,602 to 37,445 arriving passengers) with Oman Air accounting for 59 per cent of arrivals.

For the same period, arrivals from Germany to the UAE reached 447,590 passengers, an increase of 11 per cent. Al Toobi said: “The IATA data reaffirms the value of non-stop air services in concert with the ministry’s marketing strategy. The up-coming travel specialists’ programme will build awareness in Oman’s unique visitor experiences and stimulate business relations with our tour companies.”

The initiative has strong industry backing. Oman’s seven major tour companies have offered support to the delegation’s programme and will participate in a workshop planned for September 4. Additionally, 10 hotels will contribute to a major travel fair on September 5. The support of Oman Air, tour companies and hotels makes possible an expansive familiarisation programme which includes property inspections to Musandam and Salalah.

The under-secretary added, “We are indebted to many industry partners. That we have strong partnerships in place indicates the cohesion and common goals we are working too.”