Muscat: Jasour – News Desk
Tourism experts and entrepreneurs have confirmed that festivals play a crucial role in enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s status as a distinguished tourist destination, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, and achieving sustainable economic and social development.
Dr. Yaqoub bin Salim Al-Busaidi, an expert and consultant in heritage and tourism, said that one of the most important elements that make festivals an effective means is marketing and diversifying activities, allocating different events, such as special events for families, children, schools, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.
He added that another important element that attracts tourists to festivals is the added value of festivals, which includes the factor of innovation in festivals, meaning the creation of new things that keep up with the current stage.
For example, dedicating festivals to artificial intelligence and applied scientific festivals are some of the prominent festivals that attract tourists. Additionally, considering and reviewing the entrance fees to the festival to be reasonable or according to the strength and importance of the festival, as tourists compare the entrance fees and see the suitable price for them, especially if they have a large family.
Regarding the role of festivals in promoting Oman as a distinguished tourist destination, Al-Busaidi stated in a press release that festivals are a leading and well-known marketing tool to promote any tourist destination, as they showcase different cultures, traditional crafts, and foods. They also activate the market and trade, which benefits the local community.
Al-Busaidi continued by saying: “We also cannot overlook that some bilateral and international joint festivals help establish good relations between Oman and neighboring countries, such as the Empty Quarter Festival between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman, and the annual Bashayer Festival for Arabian camel races, which brings together several Gulf countries, in addition to festivals for cultural events, arts, cycling, and the Tour of Oman.”
