Oman and Thailand are stepping up efforts to forge a more strategic tourism partnership, with both countries exploring a roadmap that blends sustainability, high-value travel and stronger private-sector collaboration to elevate their global appeal.
The push gained momentum during a visit by Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Sayyid Ibrahim Al Busaidi, to Thailand, where he held talks with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
At the centre of discussions was a shared intent to deepen cooperation in tourism promotion, with both sides exploring ways to jointly position their destinations more competitively in international markets. This includes adopting best practices in destination management, crafting integrated tourism experiences and upgrading the overall quality of tourism offerings.
Sayyid Ibrahim and his delegation were briefed about Thailand’s experience in developing the tourism sector, notably in ways of attracting international markets, adopting a model on high-value tourism, utilising digital technologies and promoting the concepts of sustainability in various tourism activities.
The two sides
underscored the importance of establishing partnerships between stakeholders in
the tourism sector and underlined the need to explore new opportunities for
cooperation in the areas of sustainable tourism, community-based tourism and
management of tourism crises.
They also stressed the
importance of encouraging partnerships between private sector firms, notably
travel and tourism companies, in a way that reflects the two countries’
approach to practical cooperation that serves their common interests and
enhances the presence of Omani and Thai tourist destinations on the global
tourism map.
The visit of the Omani
delegation is in pursuance of meetings made by the Minister with international
professionals to learn about leading experiences and explore areas of
cooperation and opportunities for developing the tourism sector in line with
the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
On the sidelines of
the visit, the Minister participated in the opening ceremony of the World
Conference on Sustainable Tourism.
Organised by the
Global Sustainable on Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the conference was
launched in Phuket, Kingdom of Thailand, with a wide range of high-level
attendees, including decision-makers, experts and leaders tourism sector
officials from various countries around the world.
The conference saw the
discussion of vital issues related to the future of sustainable tourism,
sustainable hospitality, the resilience of cities and tourist communities and
means of managing visitor flow to maintain the balance between the growth of
tourism and the conservation of resources.
On the sidelines of
the conference, Sayyid Ibrahim held bilateral meetings with international
officials and experts in the field of tourism.
The meetings dealt
with the exchange of experiences, the application of sustainability standards,
the expansion of the efficiency of hotel facilities and the endorsement of
smart solutions.
Sayyid Ibrahim was
briefed about outstanding initiatives and projects that reflect modern trends
in developing sustainable tourism models based on innovation and modern
technologies and enhancing the role of local communities as a key partner in
the development of the tourism sector.
The participation of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the international event affirms Oman’s keenness on adopting the best global practices in the field of tourism sustainability and developing the tourism sector in a manner that raises its competitive efficiency and protects natural and cultural resources to ensure their sustainability for future generations.