To boost tourism and diversify sources of national income in the Sultanate of Oman, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued the first model certificate for hot air balloons in the country in line with the international standards and recommendations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This step will attract more investors to the sector. The certification will also attract major global players and SMEs in Oman.
All over the world, governments and promoters are recognising the value of using hot air balloons as a tool for tourism. The Sultanate of Oman’s stunning deserts, gorgeous beaches, majestic mountains hold great potential for hot air balloon tours. It also boosts local economy and provides employment opportunities.
With more aggressive marketing of niche adventure tourism attractions like hot air balloon festivals, Oman could be well on its way to increasing the direct contribution of travel and tourism to its gross domestic product (GDP). The National Tourism Strategy 2040 aims to attracting 11.7 million tourists by 2040, of whom 5 million would be international tourists.
In 2019, the Sultanate of Oman hosted GCC’s first hot air balloon festival to mark the three-month tourist khareef season. It featured 15 hot air balloons that enabled riders to see beautiful Salalah from the sky for the first time.
People always lap up unique tourism ideas and look towards adventure sports, which propels the global hot air balloon market. Participation of the younger generation on outdoor recreational and adventure activities is increasing, as they are more inclined towards outdoor activities. This, in turn, is expected to propel the market consistently in the near future.
Adventure activities, such as hot air ballooning, benefits the tourism industry, as it offers a unique experience to tourists. Rise in population and urbanisation, changing lifestyle and rising leisure activities are fuelling the hot air balloon market.
@zainabnassri
