Meetings, Incentives and Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) organisers looking for an exciting alternative destination for their clients, need look no further than the upcoming Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), where The Sultanate of Oman will be showcasing all that this breathtaking country has to offer.
Exhibiting at the Expo on 2 and 3 March proves timely. Whilst figures from Europe and the UK have shown steady support for the MICE market into Oman, the figures from Australia show that the market has, traditionally, been virtually untapped. However this is changing, as steadily increasing interest from Australia focusing on The Sultanate as a MICE destination, now emerges.

Meanwhile, growth in the country’s FIT business has been robust, with recent figures revealing a 20 per cent rise in visitor arrivals to The Sultanate during September to December 2009, when compared to the same period in 2008.

New infrastructure

The MICE market in The Sultanate has received a significant boost from the government’s tourism investment program, which has resulted in an abundance of new infrastructure projects, hotels and meetings facilities and specialist Destination Management Companies (DMCs).

Planned to be an iconic development with a global profile, the new 6,000 seat Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre will act as a gateway to the capital Muscat and draw on Oman’s strong cultural heritage, architectural traditions and natural beauty. Set to be one of the biggest centres of its kind in the Gulf region, it will also have state-of-the-art equipment, video conferencing and lighting throughout and will include a 30,000 sq metre Exhibition/Multi User Sports Centre suitable for major sporting events. Hotels and serviced apartments supported by a major regional retail facility, a low-rise business park and close proximity to the new Muscat Golf and Country Club are also set to be featured.
A host of incentive options
For those incentive groups seeking something a little different, the Sultanate offers a host of wide-ranging options.
Reflecting Oman’s truly authentic Arabic style, Desert Nights camp, just a two and a half hour drive from Muscat, offers groups of up to 30, an oasis of untamed spectacular open spaces within the beauty of the Wahiba sands. Sprawled across 10-acres of silken sands, luxurious Bedouin-style tents await those who seek the ultimate desert adventure vacation, as well as  the ultimate in personalised service.
Or incentive groups can take the opportunity to go mountain climbing in the spectacular Hajar Mountains, where the growing popularity of team-building expeditions lends itself to some truly stunning views and experiences. After a day climbing up the 3,000m high peak of Jebel Shams, an overnight accommodation option is to stay at a camp retreat set amongst the stunning landscape of this dramatic mountain.

Sustainable and eco-tourism also feature highly in the latest line-up of options offered as part of the Omani incentives market and these can be attributed to the Sultanate’s diverse topology and wide range of wildlife.

Viewing the once-in-a-lifetime natural spectacle of green turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras al-Jinz is one such thrilling opportunity, where visitors can benefit from the Scientific and Visitors Centre, as well as luxury accommodation options within the turtle sanctuary itself.

“2009 was a difficult year for the industry and although Oman did see growth in FIT business from Australia and NZ, it was somewhat lagging behind its Gulf neighbours as a MICE destination,” says Mona Tannous, Manager, Sultanate of Oman Tourism Australia/NZ.

“However The Sultanate is now in a prime position to meet the growing demand for this market, boasting a magnificent array of tourism infrastructure and travel options, which are not only strongly mindful of the country’s authentic Arabian culture, but are also positively enhancing of it.”

Just one example of this, highlights Ms Tannous, is The Sultanate’s bid to ensure that all new construction developments maintain the rich history of the Arabian architecture by having a maximum height limit of no more than six storeys.