Dhofar Khareef Festivities Attract Over 1 Million Visitors, Boosting Tourism

In a remarkable display of cultural allure and natural beauty, the Dhofar Khareef has once again proven its magnetism to tourists worldwide. From June 21st to September 21st, 2024, Salalah, Oman's enchanting capital of Dhofar Governorate, welcomed approximately 1,048,000 visitors, marking a significant increase of 962,000 compared to the previous year and representing a growth of 9%. This impressive influx was documented by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

Domestic Visitors Lead the Surge

A striking rise in domestic tourism was noted with Omani visitors climbing by 70.1%, totaling 734,588 compared to the previous year's 676,009. This surge underscores a growing appreciation and enthusiasm among Omanis for their own country's rich cultural and environmental offerings.

Regional Tourism Flourishes

Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries also contributed significantly to this rise, with numbers increasing by 16.9%, bringing the total to 176,643 visitors. Meanwhile, tourists from other Arab nations experienced a modest growth of 3.6%, reaching 37,790 visitors.

Global Interest Peaks

The event has not only captivated regional audiences but also attracted international attention. Asian countries witnessed an 8.3% increase in visitors, totaling about 86,678. European tourists showed a slight growth of 0.5%, with numbers reaching approximately 7,992.

Infrastructural and Promotional Enhancements Fuel Growth

Over the past two years, Dhofar Governorate has seen significant development with several tourism projects initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and Omran Group. Landmarks such as Darbat and Hamrir views, Al Mughsayl waterfront, Ain Jarziz, among others, have been developed, enhancing Salalah’s appeal.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has implemented various programs to promote the 2024 Dhofar Autumn Season extensively. These include billboard advertisements across Oman and GCC countries, influencer engagements, social media campaigns, external media collaborations, and hosting familiarization trips for international tourism offices. The "Marhaba Dhofar" event attracted 50 tourism and travel offices along with 16 media professionals from Saudi Arabia, totaling 65 visitors.

Implications of Enhanced Tourism Promotion

These promotional efforts have played a pivotal role in drawing tourists globally, allowing them to experience the unique charm and atmosphere that Dhofar offers. The active participation of tourism representation offices in Dubai and Riyadh was instrumental in increasing flight availability to Salalah during this season.

In conclusion, the Dhofar Khareef continues to be a beacon for cultural exchange and natural beauty, significantly contributing to Oman’s tourism landscape and setting new benchmarks each year.