Oman's Dhofar region gears up for khareef
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is set to open the Dhofar Private Museum and a new three-star hotel in Mirbat offering 84 rooms.
Additionally, 216 luxury hotel apartments will be inaugurated in Salalah. These additions will raise the number of licensed tourism establishments in the governorate to 100, with a combined capacity exceeding 8,000 rooms.
A tourism information centre is also scheduled to open at the Al Haffa Beach Market in Salalah to support visitors.
Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the khareef season remains one of the most important periods for domestic and regional tourism, drawing large numbers from across Oman and the wider Gulf region due to the governorate's unique monsoon climate.
The ministry's strategy for 2025 includes extending the season to 100 days, dividing it into three operational phases, and increasing GCC tourist numbers through targeted promotions and improved connectivity.
From June 21 to July 14, occupancy rates are expected to range between 35 and 40%, with the peak period from July 15 to August 30 drawing the highest footfall.
The final phase, from September 1 to 21, is projected to see occupancy between 30 and 35%, bolstered by regional and international conferences continuing through October.
To improve access, Salalah will be connected by direct flights from Saudi Arabia via flynas and flyadeal. The ministry has also stepped up regional promotions, including participation in Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality held a press conference to announce seasonal events.
Promotional campaigns were also launched in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with flynas, flyadeal, Oman Airports and tourism firms.
In Kuwait, the ministry unveiled a series of khareef travel packages during Eid al Adha in coordination with Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, which will operate direct seasonal flights to Salalah.
Abri said the ministry continues to work with the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, to position Khareef Dhofar 2025 as a distinctive and sustainable destination. He noted that marketing plans are guided by performance metrics aimed at increasing arrivals and spreading visitor activity across the entire season.
The 2024 khareef season attracted over 1,048,000 visitors, marking a 9% rise compared to the 2023 total of approximately 962,000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman tourism promotion launched across French-speaking Europe
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a new promotional campaign aimed at attracting travellers from French-speaking Europe, with particular focus on France, Belgium and Switzerland. The campaign seeks to highlight Oman's cultural heritage, natural landscapes and reputation for hospitality. It is part of a wider effort to boost the sultanate's visibility in international markets and position it as a key destination for European tourists. As part of the campaign, the ministry has partnered with French media relations firm Article Onze to engage travel agencies and tourism companies in the targeted countries. The collaboration is expected to strengthen Oman's ties with industry players across the region. H E Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al Araimi, Oman's Ambassador to France, said the initiative was a step forward in showcasing the sultanate's appeal. 'Oman has always been a safe and welcoming haven for visitors,' he told Oman TV. 'Through this campaign, we are taking proactive steps to reach out to international tourists and invite them to experience the beauty and serenity of our country.' Azza bint Hamoud al Busaidi, Deputy Head of Mission at Oman's Embassy in France, said the campaign aims to communicate the sultanate's range of travel experiences, from mountain landscapes to coastal attractions and traditional souqs. She noted that France, Belgium and Switzerland represent promising markets for inbound tourism. H E Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al Araimi, Oman's Ambassador to France The ministry's campaign is part of a broader international strategy to increase tourism from Europe and other regions. France has historically ranked among the top sources of tourist arrivals to Oman. In March 2025, Oman launched a global marketing push to reinforce its status as a high-quality travel destination. The campaign featured advertisements on taxis, buses, train stations and billboards in key urban centres in Europe. Promotional content also ran in shopping malls and on television networks. Looking ahead, the sultanate plans to open new tourism representative offices in China, Russia, Spain, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The aim is to expand Oman's reach and attract a more diverse visitor base. To support its international efforts, the ministry has partnered with over 50 global media outlets to run multimedia campaigns showcasing Oman's tourism offering. These initiatives reflect Oman's ambition to become a prominent player in the global tourism market, with particular focus on building long-term engagement in strategic markets.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar: Modern Promenade at Ateen Plain to shine
Salalah, July 2 This year, the Modern Promenade at Ateen Plain will be at the heart of Khareef Dhofar 2025, offering a vibrant programme of interactive experiences curated by Dhofar Municipality. Set against a backdrop of misty hills and cool breezes, the promenade blends entertainment and education in a setting that showcases Oman's evolving creative scene. Among the main attractions is 'World for Kids', a mini global village designed for children. The interactive experience leads young visitors on a playful cultural journey — from the Americas and Australia to France, Italy, the Gulf, Egypt and Yemen — through hands-on workshops, live performances and daily competitions. Local and international street foods complete the sensory immersion. Also making its return is the enchanting 'Princess Palace', a fantasy space where young girls can explore a fairytale world inspired by royal palaces. With arts and crafts stations, themed photo corners and live shows, the venue offers a safe and inspiring environment tailored to spark imagination. Other highlights across the promenade include the Musical Walkway, where live music fills the air; the dazzling Carnival of Illuminated Carts and World of Lights, which create immersive visual spectacles; as well as Band & Box performances that merge theatre, storytelling and learning. Visitors can also enjoy a health-themed walking track and explore an array of gourmet food trucks serving regional and global cuisine. Now a signature destination of Oman's Khareef Dhofar season, the Modern Promenade is more than a venue — it is an invitation to discover the Sultanate of Oman's rich cultural identity and family-friendly vision for tourism.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Direct Muscat–Amsterdam flight to boost tourism to Oman: MHT
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) announced the launch of a direct flight route between Muscat and Amsterdam, which is a strategic move aimed at enhancing tourism flow to the Sultanate of Oman and strengthening connectivity with global markets. From July 1, 2025, Oman Air began operating direct flights between Muscat International Airport and Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport. The new route is expected to significantly expand Oman's air connectivity and facilitate seamless travel to one of Europe's key tourism and commercial hubs. The service operates four times a week using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering passengers a comfortable travel experience and advanced onboard features. The route also provides convenient access to over 40 destinations across Oman Air's network, including major cities in Asia and Africa. Commenting on the occasion,Azzan bin Qassim al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, said the launch of the direct route marks a strategic milestone in efforts to strengthen air links with European markets—particularly with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which serves as a vital gateway to the continent. He added that the new service is expected to increase the flow of tourists to the Sultanate and further enhance Oman's position as a leading tourism destination, while also supporting economic and trade relations with EU countries. He further noted that the Ministry places special emphasis on the Dutch market through an ongoing calendar of promotional campaigns and events. These include annual participation in the Vakantiebeurs Travel and Tourism Exhibition, hosting the ANVR Congress 2024—the national travel trade association of the Netherlands—and organising familiarisation trips for travel agencies, media professionals and tourism stakeholders. Oman will also participate in key tourism events such as the Reisprofs Event and TravDay, scheduled for October 2025, to highlight Oman's diverse tourism offerings and natural attractions.
