The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is hosting the annual conference of Germany's DERPART Travel Agency from November 30 to December 2, 2024, at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort. This event marks a significant milestone in the Ministry's efforts to position Oman as a leading destination for business tourism and to attract international conferences.

The conference will bring together 130 directors of German travel agencies and top executives from DERPART, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase Oman's tourism, cultural, and natural assets to key decision-makers in the German travel sector. Germany is one of Oman's primary source markets for tourists, making this event strategically important for boosting future travel demand to the Sultanate of Oman and fostering strong business partnerships that contribute to the growth of the tourism sector and its economic impact.

In this context, Khalid bin Walid Al Zadjali, Director of Oman Convention Bureau at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated, “Hosting the annual conference of DERPART Travel Company is a significant achievement in the Ministry's ongoing efforts to position the Sultanate of Oman as a global destination for business tourism. The Ministry is diligently working to attract major international events, which play a vital role in showcasing Oman's unique offerings, including its rich heritage, captivating nature, and advanced infrastructure."

He added, “We view this conference as a strategic platform to engage with key decision-makers in the German travel and tourism sector, offering us a direct opportunity to highlight Oman's tourism potential. During the conference, we will present a workshop focusing on opportunities in the business tourism sector, including the facilities provided by the Ministry, modern infrastructure for hosting conferences, and future tourism development projects aligned with Oman Vision 2040."

Al Zadjali also emphasised that the Ministry aims to strengthen cooperation with international partners by building long-term strategic partnerships, including the proposed partnership with DERPART. Such collaborations help attract events, strengthen ties with European markets and globally promote the Sultanate of Oman as a unique destination for business tourism. The Ministry's role extends beyond attracting conferences to providing logistical and technical support and ensuring an exceptional experience for organisers and participants, thereby reflecting Oman's positive image and enhancing its international standing.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Ministry will organise a series of accompanying events to highlight Oman's rich and diverse heritage and stunning natural beauty. These activities will offer participants a unique opportunity to explore Oman's historical depth by experiencing cultural traditions, handicrafts, and performances of Omani folk arts and music, reflecting the cultural diversity of different governorates in Oman. The events will also include tours to major natural landmarks, providing a comprehensive experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of Oman's environment.

Through these activities, the Ministry aims to create an interactive experience for participants, enabling them to connect with Oman's authentic identity and deeply rooted cultural values while embracing its openness to modernity and development. These events are an integral part of the Ministry's strategy to present Oman as a holistic tourism destination, combining rich cultural experiences with unparalleled natural beauty. The Ministry is committed to leaving a positive impression on participants and enhancing their understanding of the attributes that make the Sultanate of Oman a distinguished global destination for all types of tourism, including business tourism.​

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