Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organization and Oman’s Ministry of Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen tourism ties.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman have had long-lasting ties in the political, economic, social and cultural realms,” Masoud Soltanifar, head of ICHHTO, said at the signing ceremony.
Soltanifar, who doubles as vice president, also expressed readiness to share Iran’s experience in cultural heritage, handicraft and tourism with the Omanis, Khabaronline news website reported.
He pointed to Iran’s appeal to Omani tourists and said they are interested in Iran’s history, natural beauty and medical services.
Soltanifar commended the government’s declared policy to build normal, and where possible, cordial ties to the outside world and said the move had helped increase inbound tourism, especially from Oman. The government “plans to develop tourism, and a top priority is expanding ties with neighboring countries, namely Oman.”
He expressed the hope that implementing the terms of the MoU will facilitate travel between the two Persian Gulf neighbors and encourage more Omani tourists and investors to visit Iran.
Iran and Oman launched direct flights between Kish Island in the Persian Gulf and Muscat, the capital of Oman on October 31. According to the Iranian media, 95 Omani tourists seeking medical care boarded the first flight to Kish.
Sharing Knowledge
Sayyid Adel bin al Murdas al- Busaidi, tourist affairs adviser at Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, pointed to Iran’s “success with using its historical and cultural attractions” to lure tourists and expressed his country’s eagerness to draw on Iran’s experience and expertise.
The Omani official also noted that this country relies on Iran’s support to boost its handicrafts industry and hoped that Iranian artists will help improve the quality of Oman’s handicraft.
The new Omani Ambassador to Iran Saud bin Ahmed bin Khalid al-Barwani, also expressed willingness to expand tourism ties and noted that investors from his country have already entered the Iranian market.
According to the terms of the MoU, which is valid for three years, the two sides will cooperate in tourism, marketing, advertising, education and transfer of knowledge and skills.
Oman is an Arab country in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula which shares maritime borders with Iran in the northeast through the Persian Gulf.
