The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) and in collaboration with several public and private sector entities, is hosting a delegation from the Russian Federation comprising representatives from 54 Russian tourism companies from 23 to 27 April. This initiative comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing promotional efforts to attract tourists from the Russian market and is aligned with its 2024 marketing strategy.

Recent statistics show that more than 44,000 Russian tourists visited Oman in 2024. Promotional activities carried out by the Ministry have significantly contributed to this increase, including mobile roadshows held in Russian cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg in 2024. These events saw the participation of 20 Omani tourism companies and hotel establishments and attracted over 300 Russian tourism companies. The Ministry also participated in the OTDYKH Leisure Fair in Moscow last September, which focuses on leisure tourism, introducing Oman's unique tourism offerings and strengthening business ties between Omani and Russian tourism stakeholders.

To further reinforce Oman's presence in the Russian market, the Ministry inaugurated a tourism representation office in the Russian Federation in the last quarter of 2024. The office has played a pivotal role in promoting Oman's diverse tourism experiences and strengthening the Oman's position in major global tourism markets. It also serves as a promotional platform for training outbound tourism companies in Russia, organising meetings and familiarisation trips for Russian tourism companies and media representatives to visit Oman, experience its offerings firsthand, and produce promotional content targeting the Russian tourist.

The increase in Oman Air flights from Muscat to Moscow to six weekly services during the summer has also contributed to the growth in Russian tourist arrivals.

The tourism programme for the 54 visiting Russian companies includes visits to religious, cultural, and traditional landmarks such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the National Museum, Al Alam Palace, Muttrah Souq, Nizwa Souq, and Nizwa Fort, as well as a trip to Al Jebel Akhdar and several key hotels and attractions across Oman. The programme also features the annual conference for these companies, highlighting Oman's potential as a destination for business events, conferences, and exhibitions from the Russian market.

Saada bint Abdullah Al-Harthiya, Director of Market Development at MHT, said the visit aims to update Russian companies on the latest developments in Oman's tourism sector and explore cooperation opportunities that align with the Ministry's objectives to develop and promote tourism in the Oman. She noted that the visit is one of the Ministry's key promotional activities designed to enhance Oman's status as a leading global tourist destination.

She added that the Russian delegation's visit helps uncover the authenticity of Oman's cultural and natural heritage, fosters innovation in delivering exceptional tourism products and services, and builds a mutually enriching cultural platform between local communities and international visitors. The visit also promotes Oman as a distinctive destination offering unforgettable experiences.

Al-Harthiya confirmed that the Ministry's roadshows in various Russian cities last year played a vital role in introducing Russian tourists to Oman's tourism potential.

It is worth noting that Oman is a multi-seasonal destination known for its rich natural beauty and deep-rooted cultural heritage, appealing to diverse tourist segments, with an increasing focus on attracting high-end travellers seeking luxury and unique experiences.

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