Oman seeks to boost travel ties with Korea
The Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya bin Hamad Al-Saadi speaks during an event to boost tourism to Oman in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of Oman in Seoul
The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Korea, in partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, held a promotional forum Friday aimed at enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations.
The event, held in Seoul, brought together around 30 representatives from major Korean travel and tourism firms, along with officials from Oman Air’s Seoul office and other key industry figures. It aimed to showcase Oman’s natural beauty and cultural heritage to the Korean market and encourage local agencies to promote Oman as a preferred travel destination.
Organizers said the forum is part of Oman’s broader Vision 2040 strategy, which emphasizes tourism development as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainability, reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues.
Opening the event, the Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya bin Hamad Al-Saadi highlighted the importance of the gathering as a platform for public diplomacy. He called on Korean tourism professionals to help strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural exchange by showcasing Oman’s diverse attractions, from coastal landscapes and desert adventures to ancient heritage sites.
“This forum is an opportunity to build bridges of communication and cooperation,” Al-Saadi said. “We are delighted to share Oman’s story with our Korean friends.”
Sajda bint Rashid Al-Ghaithiya, director of the Tourism Marketing Department at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said Oman offers a distinctive tourism experience with its unique blend of natural and cultural assets. She emphasized the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and visitor facilities to make the country more accessible and appealing to international tourists, including those from Korea.
A presentation in Korean, organized by Oman Air’s local office, provided practical travel information, including flight routes, lodging options and popular tourist sites. The forum also featured a Q&A session, where Korean companies discussed desired services and potential business collaborations.
The event concluded with a luncheon showcasing traditional Omani and Arab cuisine, underscoring the role of culinary diplomacy in enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
Omani officials expressed hope the forum would pave the way for stronger tourism ties and increased visitor flows between Korea and Oman, while positioning Oman more prominently on the global travel map.