Muscat : Titled ‘Tourism in Oman: National and Global Insights and Practices’, the conference is hosted by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah and will run for three days.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, presided over the opening ceremony and honoured the conference’s keynote speakers, experts, sponsors, and supporters, marking a significant moment in the Sultanate’s efforts to boost the tourism sector.
The conference aims to explore the latest trends and practices in tourism and hospitality, as well as to discuss both national and international experiences. With participants from 15 countries, the conference is a hub for thought leaders and experts in the field.
In addition to presentations and discussions, the conference features specialized workshops and an exhibition, showcasing 25 government and private entities, higher education institutions, and small and medium enterprises engaged in the sector.
Three educational institutions are taking part in a student competition designed to foster greater collaboration between academics and tourism professionals. The event will also explore the opportunities and challenges that the tourism sector faces, with a focus on how it aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and contributes to the national economy.
Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al Shahri, Assistant Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah, highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting scientific research in tourism and hospitality. He emphasised the importance of the conference in linking academic knowledge with real-world practices, contributing to the realization of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that tourism is increasingly recognised as a competitive sector requiring ongoing innovation to enhance the quality of experiences for visitors.
The opening day of the conference also featured a visual presentation by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, followed by another on ‘Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman’ prepared by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The exhibition accompanying the event is designed to showcase innovations in the tourism and hospitality sectors. In addition, a cooperation program was signed between the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and the Office of the Governor of Dhofar.
Over the course of the next three days, the conference will feature eight dialogue sessions, 15 scientific tracks, five specialized workshops, and the presentation of 37 research papers from across the tourism and hospitality fields. This marks a significant step forward in the development of Oman’s tourism sector and its alignment with international best practices.
