The Sultanate of Oman has outlined its 2010 Ramadan and Eid program, which will run until September 9, 2010. The Oman government expects such events to accelerate tourism development and exceed the projected 3 per cent share of the tourism sector to the local GDP by the end of Oman’s Five-Year Plan spanning 2011 to 2015.

The World Travel and Tourism Council has already predicted that Oman’s tourism sector will post the highest growth in the Middle East and the third-highest in the world in 2010.

The Ministry’s Ramadan and Eid programme includes entertaining and educational sight-seeing activities over the four-day Eid period. Children in particular will enjoy the visits to heritage locations in Oman’s interior region such as the Cultural Village in Bahla, Marah Land, Sawadi Beach, and Wadi Andam. Family-themed events such as group iftars, cultural and religious contests such as Quran memorization, and competitions in sports such as soccer and table tennis are also included in the Ministry’s 2010 Ramadan and Eid calendar.

“Last year’s Ramadan and Eid agenda was highly successful, so we are making sure that we have the right facilities, amenities and support for local businesses to repeat if not surpass 2009’s results. This season we shall once again fulfill our social responsibilities while supporting Oman’s overall economic growth. We call on the local business community to partner with us in securing a larger number of tourists while showcasing Oman’s unique heritage,” said Gamal Sadek, Director, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Offices, GCC.

Aside from its Ramadan programme, Oman’s Ministry of Tourism recently announced other highly-anticipated activities for the final quarter of 2010, including the Asian Beach Games, the Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, and the 4th International Conference on Responsible Tourism.