Inbound tourism from the UK and Ireland grew by 4.4% and 3.6% respectively in 2014 to a total of over 147,000, as tourists have been enchanted by Oman's diverse landscapes offering something for all types of holiday makers. Visitors travelled to experience a country that evokes the true spirit of Arabia, where centuries' old traditions meets five star contemporary luxury. With a wealth of natural attractions, fascinating culture and warm, welcoming people it is unsurprising that Wanderlust readers ranked Oman 6th out of 15 in the 'Top Country' category in the annual 2015 Travel Awards.

Alison Cryer, Director UK and Ireland Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR Office, says: “We are delighted to announce that in 2014, the number of visitors from the UK to Oman rose by 4.4% and the number of visitors from Ireland to Oman increased by 3.6% compared to 2013. Of the total figure of 147,085 visitors from the UK and Ireland, 139,362 originated from the UK and 7,723 from Ireland and on behalf of the ministry of tourism I would like to the travel industry for all their efforts and commitment towards achieving these results.” 72% of visas issued for UK tourists were tourist visit visas further cementing Oman's profile as a leisure destination.

The Ministry of Tourism Office is proud to have started 2015 with 17 awards as a top destination including 'Top Ten Countries in 2015' in Wanderlust Travel Awards 2015, the New York Times' '52 Places To Go in 2015' and 'Top Ten Cities in 2015' by Rough Guides.

For more information on tourism in Oman visit www.omantourism.gov.om

-ENDS-

For more information about Oman please contact:

Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland

Maddy Phillips

Tel: + 44 208 877 4504

Email: maddy@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

List of awards and nominations:

1.      Khasab Port – One of the world's ten most beautiful ports

The Telegraph - UK - (Khasab is ranked 7th)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/11062259/The-worlds-most-beautiful-ports.html?frame=3005250

 

2.      Oman – 52 places to go in 2015 (the Middle East's best kept secret no longer)

The New York Times – USA -(Oman is ranked 20th)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/01/11/travel/52-places-to-go-in-2015.html?_r=0

 

3.      Nizwa – top ten cities in 2015

Rough Guides – Travel Portal- (Nizwa is ranked 5th)

http://www.roughguides.com/best-places/2015/top-10-cities/

 

4.      MoT website – web award winner

Arab Strategic Web Awards (ASWA) 2014 - (MoT Website is ranked 1st)

http://ameinfo.com/blog/company-news/o/oman-ministry-of-tourism/oman-ministry-tourisms-interactive-website-recognized-aswa-2014/

 

 5.      Nizwa – Islamic Cultural Capital 2015

Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers - (Nizwa selected capital)

http://www.isesco.org.ma/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=9991:sultanate-of-oman-to-host-9th-islamic-conference-of-culture-ministers-in-2015&Itemid=74&lang=en

 

6.      Golden List 2015: The World's Best Hotels: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Six Senses Zighy Bay

Condé Nast Traveler  - (Both hotels within list of 5 in the Middle East and North Africa)

http://cnt.conde.io/stories/2014-12-16/view-the-full-gold-list-2015-the-worlds-best-hotels

 

 7.      The 15 Best Travel Destinations in 2015

World of Wanderlust - (Oman is ranked 6th)

http://www.worldofwanderlust.com/15-best-travel-destinations-in-2015/

 

 8.      23 Amazing hotels that Opened in 2014

CNN - (Alila Jabal Akhdar on list)

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/28/travel/world-best-hotels-2014/

 

 9.      The Place to Visit in 2015: Oman

Skift - (The one place to visit is Oman)

http://skift.com/tag/oman/

 

10.  16 Spectacular Places to Travel in 2015

Buzzfeed - (Oman is ranked 13th)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseypippin/16-places-you-simply-must-visit-in-2015#.ixd1x89PV

 

11.  Travel Writers Pick Top Travel Destinations for 2015

Traveller Australia - (Oman is on list)

http://www.traveller.com.au/travel-writers-pick-top-travel-destinations-for-2015-11mru0

 

12.  Affordable Dream Trips for 2015

USA Today - (Oman is on list)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/01/09/budget-affordable-destinations-2015/21452443/

 

13.  20 Destinations for Intrepid Travellers

Men's Journal - (Oman is on list)

http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/alternative-travel-destinations-in-2015-20141230/instead-of-the-colorado-rockies-go-to-canadas-kootenay-rockies

 

14.  50 Incredible Places to Travel in 2015

Travel+Leisure - (Oman is ranked 11th)

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-places-to-travel-in-2015

 

 15.  Travel awards 2015

Wanderlust Readers Travel Awards - (Oman is ranked 6th out of 10)

http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/magazine/news/wanderlust-travel-awards-2015-the-winners

 

 16.  Best Holiday Destinations for 2015

 

Dad Info – UK - (Oman on the list)

http://www.dad.info/article/lifestyle/travel/global-escapes/best-holiday-destinations-for-2015

 

 17.  The “It” Destination

Yahoo Travel – USA - (Oman is the “It” destination for 2015 – article in 3 parts)

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/welcome-to-oman-the-2015-it-destination-110100900007.html