The Oman government expects there will be a substantial increase in tourism activities in 2010, consistent with the widely anticipated recovery in global financial markets. Minister of National Economy, Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki expects there will be an increase in the number of tourists, and this will help speed up the implementation of several mega tourism projects.
Macki, who is also Vice-President of Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, said “As for 2010, recent data suggests that the global recession will come gradually to an end, and the world economy is expected to grow at 3.1 percent.” He said IMF forecast advanced economies will grow at 1.3 percent and the Middle East will grow at 4 percent. Expectations for tourism in 2010 are, therefore, more optimistic regarding the number of tourists, hotel occupancy, hotel nights, and implementation of integrated tourism complexes.
