In a significant development for the tourism sector, Oman and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to implement a joint visit visa. This milestone achievement was announced following a high-level meeting between the authorities of both nations, where various measures to enhance tourism cooperation were discussed and agreed upon.
Promoting Cross-Border Travel and Cooperation:
During the meeting, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib and his Omani counterpart, Salim Al-Mahrouqi, deliberated on multiple aspects of tourism collaboration. The two ministers focused on initiatives to facilitate seasonal travel between the two countries, exchange tourism calendars, and foster greater cooperation in promoting trade and investment in the tourism sector.
Coordinated Tourism Programs and Objectives:
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the emphasis on implementing joint tourism programs, particularly in the areas of camping and adventure tourism. The shared objective of these initiatives is to attract international tourists, as well as citizens of both countries and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. By introducing united tourist visas, seasonal flights, and a coordinated tourism calendar, Oman and Saudi Arabia aim to leverage their collective strengths to enhance the overall tourism experience in the region.
Boosting Investment and Supporting Entrepreneurs:
An integral part of the collaborative efforts is to stimulate investment in the tourism sector and provide support to entrepreneurs. The ministers agreed to implement practical guidelines for tourism that were set by the GCC leaders in December. Minister Al-Khatib expressed his gratitude to his Omani counterpart for the invitation and acknowledged the exchange of ideas and initiation of joint tourism initiatives during his visit to Oman. He highlighted the importance of these efforts in promoting training and human capital development within the tourism sector.
Coordinated Implementation of Tourism Initiatives:
Minister Al-Mahrouqi expressed his appreciation for the positive response to the invitation and extended his thanks for supervising the efforts to align and coordinate the various initiatives discussed during the visit. This coordinated approach ensures the effective implementation of the agreed-upon measures to benefit the tourism sector as intended.
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Looking Ahead:
The collaboration between Oman and Saudi Arabia marks a significant step towards enhancing tourism ties between the two nations. By streamlining travel processes through a joint visit visa, promoting trade and investment, and implementing joint tourism programs, both countries aim to attract a larger number of tourists from around the world. These initiatives will not only benefit the tourism industry but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the region. With a renewed focus on training and human capital development, Oman and Saudi Arabia are poised to create a robust and sustainable tourism ecosystem that aligns with the goals set by the GCC leaders.
