The Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has received a strong response for its 3rd Global Geotourism Conference marketing campaign with more than 170 registrations, including 50 per cent from overseas. Overseas registrations include the United Nations Environmental and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as several universities.
The conference, to be held in the Grand Hyatt Hotel Muscat from 30 October to 1 November 2011 is viewed by the ministry as an industry development and educational opportunity for Oman. Adding to current registrations, the ministry will invite over 120 Omani tertiary students to attend and network with tourism experts. The conference has strong support with Omran as its main sponsor.
“The ministry is delighted with the strong response so far and more international registrations are expected this week. The participation is expected to be the higher than the previous two conferences held in Australia and Malaysia,” Mohammad Ali Said, Acting Undersecretary of the Oman Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, said.
The link between geology and tourism is an important element of Oman’s sustainable tourism strategy. Oman has a rich diversity of geotourism attractions, many of which are internationally significant and able to provide community jobs opportunities in regional and remote areas.
“In hosting the conference, we want to learn how best to showcase Oman’s geo attractions boost local industry understanding and tap opportunities. Added to strong Oman tourism industry participation, the ministry is planning to invite over 120 Omani tertiary students to attend and network with visiting experts,” Said, added.