Oman Stages Operetta Performance at the Opening Ceremony of ITB Berlin 2024

Berlin: The Sultanate of Oman staged an operetta performance last night during the official opening ceremony of ITB Berlin 2024. The folkloric show, titled “Discover Oman”, took place at the City Cube Theatre in Berlin. Oman’s performances at the international extravaganza (5-7 March) will last several days.

Represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman presented a visual display comprising three paintings that focused on natural landmarks, elements of cultural heritage and the progress accomplished by the country. The operetta also highlighted the country’s cultural identity and Oman Vision 2040 whose programmes serve sustainable tourism development.

The operetta saw the participation of the Royal Symphony Orchestra, which presented some classical and musical performances and national songs and dances, in addition to inputs by other folklore bands and Omani artists.

Salim Mohammed Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism affirmed that this is well-deserved privilege for Oman to be the official partner of IBT Berlin.

He pointed out in his speech that Oman is looking ahead with optimism, as it continues to build the tourism sector beyond the national boundaries, work and align with common objectives, and in particular, with the rest of the GCC countries, to create an appealing and unified destination that provides an ample choices and experiences.

He stressed the importance of tourism for Oman as it is a sector that has made remarkable economic, and social contributions in recent years. It is increasingly becoming a driving force for economic growth, Job creation, and heritage and cultural sustainability, added the minister.

He said: “Travel is something that for us Omanis is embedded in our DNA. For millennia our ancestors set foot on foreign soils. We Omanis are the original global travelers, when we crossed the oceans to the known world, for trade, friendship, and cultural exchange”.

He explained that huge investments are being made in the Sultanate of Oman, new vibrant destinations are under development and many are already dotting the landscape.

He added: “Supporting this is a range of tourism-friendly legislation including: The easing of visa requirements, an ecosystem of investors-driven initiatives, empowerment of local communities, a measured marketing strategy, place making, and heritage and cultural embedded components, of uncompromising authenticity”.

On his turn, Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, said that the travel and tourism sector undergoes challenges that include climate change, high carbon emissions and a lack of skilled workers. These, he added, require the conference participants to express their opinions and proposals about measures to address the challenges.

For his part, Kai Wegner, Mayor of Berlin, welcomed the Sultanate of Oman as an official partner of ITB Berlin 2024, the most important exhibition that allows the participants to exchange experiences review new ideas and trends in the field of tourism and travel. Wegner pointed out that, in 2023, the tourism sector attracted 12 million visitors.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, said that the tourism sector in Oman is set to grow further in upcoming years. She underscored the significance of Oman’s diverse tourism components, notably the country’s ancient history.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN Tourism (a specialized agency of the United Nations), invited tourists from around the world to visit the Sultanate of Oman, which, he said, abounds with tourism attractions.

He said, “the global tourism sector is recovering, with the number of tourists rising by 3 percent and the volume of spending standing at about $3.3 trillion in 2023”.

The opening ceremony of ITB Berlin was attended by 3,000 people from more than 160 countries, in addition to representatives of tourism companies, travel sector decision makers and political personage.  -ONA