News
Oman using golf to attract tourists
27 May 2008
Oman is hoping the construction of new golf courses will boost tourism to the area, reports Reuters.
With many affluent holidaymakers enjoying city breaks in the middle-east, Oman is banking on the popular sport of golf to draw in businessmen and tourists from abroad.
Cyril Piaia, CEO of Murya, told Reuters: 'Golf is seen as one sure way to attract wealthy European tourists to the country, besides the beaches and the sun.'
Travel agents believe a bigger airport with more direct flights from Europe and a better tourism infrastructure will be needed to cope with the demand from potential tourists.
With only one nine-hole course at the moment, Oman is currently building at least ten golf courses in order to compete with Dubai, its United Arab Emirates neighbour which boasts luxury resorts that appeal to the wealthy.
'We certainly need several world class golf courses if we are going to seriously compete with our neighbour Dubai,' Wael al-Lawaty, CEO of state-run developer Omran, told Reuters.
According to official figures, 650,000 tourists visited Oman in 2007, a 12 per cent rise on the previous year.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
With many affluent holidaymakers enjoying city breaks in the middle-east, Oman is banking on the popular sport of golf to draw in businessmen and tourists from abroad.
Cyril Piaia, CEO of Murya, told Reuters: 'Golf is seen as one sure way to attract wealthy European tourists to the country, besides the beaches and the sun.'
Travel agents believe a bigger airport with more direct flights from Europe and a better tourism infrastructure will be needed to cope with the demand from potential tourists.
With only one nine-hole course at the moment, Oman is currently building at least ten golf courses in order to compete with Dubai, its United Arab Emirates neighbour which boasts luxury resorts that appeal to the wealthy.
'We certainly need several world class golf courses if we are going to seriously compete with our neighbour Dubai,' Wael al-Lawaty, CEO of state-run developer Omran, told Reuters.
According to official figures, 650,000 tourists visited Oman in 2007, a 12 per cent rise on the previous year.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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