Oman and Saudi Arabia Unveil Joint Tourism Cooperation Program at ITB Berlin
Berlin, The Gulf Observer: In a historic collaboration, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have officially launched a tourism cooperation program aimed at showcasing joint initiatives to attract tourists from major global markets. The program, unveiled on the sidelines of ITB Berlin, featured representatives from Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Ahmed Al Khatib, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, jointly inaugurated the program, underscoring the significance of the strategic partnership agreement previously signed by the two nations.
Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasized that the cooperation program translates the visionary directives of the leaderships of Oman and Saudi Arabia into concrete actions. He stated, “It is the first crop of partnership initiatives announced in May 2023,” and hinted at the announcement of additional initiatives in the future within the context of bilateral tourism cooperation.
The cooperation program includes the development and implementation of pioneering tourism packages, meticulously crafted and managed by Saudi Arabia’s official tourism identity, “Visit Saudi,” and Oman’s “Visit Oman” platform. This initiative aims to reshape the tourism landscape, offer unique experiences for travelers, drive economic growth, and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
By launching such initiatives, Saudi Arabia and Oman are aligning efforts to achieve the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, both of which emphasize sustainable and diversified growth in the tourism sector.
The launch ceremony, attended by Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, the Sultanate of Oman’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, and other dignitaries, marks a pivotal step in the strategic collaboration between Oman and Saudi Arabia to position themselves as premier tourist destinations on the global stage.
