Muscat – Speaking at the first Omani Press Forum, hosted by the Oman Journalists Association (OJA), H.E. Dr. Al Ghassani highlighted that the number of visitors to the region has already surpassed 816,000, marking a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Expectations are high that visitor numbers will exceed one million by the end of the season.

The presentation was part of the Forum, inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and patronage from the Ministry of Information, Dhofar Municipality, and other private institutions, the Forum is attended by over 200 journalists and media professionals from 23 countries. It aims to spotlight investment and tourism opportunities within Oman, emphasizing the role of media in promoting the Sultanate as a global destination.

H.E. Dr. Al Ghassani also discussed the significant infrastructure developments underway in Dhofar, including the launch of the Spray Boulevard Project, aimed at enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure and services.

The Khareef season, which began on June 21 and runs until September 20, features a range of cultural, commercial, and entertainment events designed to attract and accommodate a growing number of tourists.

The two-day Omani Press Forum will feature a dialogue seminar titled ‘Tourism and Economic Investment Opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman, and the Role of the Media in Promoting Them’ on September 5, will be held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. The seminar will address various topics, including the economic and tourism landscape in Oman.