With cruises from Europe affected, Oman to focus on Asia

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman is shifting its focus from Europe to Asia for cruise ship tourism due to disruptions in the Red Sea. The arrival of the first ship of the season from Resorts World Cruise with 700 tourists on board marks the beginning of this shift. Last year, over 200 cruise ships visited Oman, and while this season’s numbers are uncertain due to conflicts in the Middle East, the ministry is still expecting a good turnout. Efforts to attract more cruise liners include participation in events like the Sea Trade exhibition in Miami. The Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat is being developed to accommodate larger cruise ships, and visit visas for passengers and crew of tourist ships for ten days will be granted free of cost.