The Sultanate of Oman is seeking to woo Indian tourists by offering attractive packages, opening up exotic locations for shooting movies and as a meeting, wedding and convention destination.

Oman attracted over 2.21 lakh tourists visitors from India last year, an increase of over 35.6 per cent over 2011.

“We believe that the potential is lot more as the air connectivity makes it a lot more attractive for an Indian tourist,” said Lubaina Sheerazi, India representative of Oman.

Addressing a press conference here, she said the focus now is to tap tourists from non-metros, and Tier II cities including Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad. With excellent connectivity, Oman offers an ideal location even for wedding ceremonies.

“The new convention centre coming up and the new airport, both expected to be ready by 2014, will make it even more attractive,” she explained.

Lubaina said, “Indians connect with a destination like Oman as its rich culture, tradition and hospitality is something that they will identify with and appreciate, besides its picturesque locations.”

Bollywood film Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobarra and South Indian movie Singham were shot in Oman. “We had associated with these movies as an initiative to popularise the destination in India,” she said.

Oman is all about old world charm and modernity. It provides ultimate Arabian experience blending old and new, she said.

To facilitate Indian tourists, the visa issuance process is also made easy as one can apply online and get it within four working days. The cost of visa for a visitor travelling for less than 10 days has also been kept low.

rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in

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