Oman Introduces New Visa Category for Cruise Tourism
The Omani government has recently announced a new visa category specifically for cruise ship passengers and crew, aiming to boost the country’s cruise tourism sector. The new visa includes options for ten-day and one-month visit visas, simplifying the entry process for visitors arriving by cruise ships.
This decision comes at a time when Oman’s tourism industry is on the rise, with the number of visitors reaching 2.3 million by July 2024, a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year. The move has been applauded by industry experts like Sreedhu Nair from Travel Diaries, who sees it as a strategic move to attract more tourists and compete in the cruise market.
Visitors like Jen Meyer are excited about the flexibility offered by the new visa, allowing them to explore more of Oman’s attractions like Sur and Nizwa. The announcement has also been welcomed by businesses in popular tourist areas like Muttrah souq, anticipating a boost in sales and footfall from cruise ship tourists.
Local shop owners like Sadiq Khan and Nurul Alam are looking forward to the increased business opportunities brought by longer-staying tourists. With more visitors expected in the upcoming winter season, Oman’s new visa regulation is set to benefit both tourists and local businesses.
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