DUTCH FOOTBALL LEGENDS KICK OFF DHOFAR’S TOURISM OUTREACH CAMPAIGNS (Oman)
Dutch football legends and journalist promote Oman tourism in Europe markets. |
|
DUTCH FOOTBALL LEGENDS KICK OFF DHOFAR’S TOURISM OUTREACH CAMPAIGNS (Oman)
Dutch football legends and journalist promote Oman tourism in Europe markets. |
Category: Middle East - Oman - Exclusive experiences
- What's new?
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2023-11-09
Filed by Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah
In support with the Dhofar Municipality, the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah recently hosted a visit from a prominent sports and lifestyle platform based in the Netherlands – Life After Football.
This televised event supported the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in extending outreach to the European market.
Dhofar municipality hosted the former professional Dutch footballers Dirk Kuyt, Ron Vlaar, André Ooijer, Mario Been, Maarten Stekelenburg and Eljero Elia, accompanied by Life After Football’s anchorman Regi Blinker for a three-day getaway, during which they explored Dhofar, conducted a clinic for local youth, and spent a day with a session of Foot-golf at the Marco Polo Golf Course nestled within the 42 acres of tropical landscapes at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah.
During the fun filled 4-hour long session, the Dutch icons demonstrated their football talents by kicking the ball with the precision and patience of a golfer. A relaxing sundowner at Dolphin Terrazza, followed by a buffet dinner at the Ocean Blue Beach House concluded the evening.
"Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sumharam and tourist destinations like Wadi Darbat showed us everything Dhofar has to offer, and the team left after a fun-filled vacation eager to share their experience," said Suzanne Marto, PR & Event Manager of Life after Football.
"This visit provided an exciting opportunity to showcase Oman's natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitality to our extensive audience across Northern Europe."
In addition to the visit, the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah also welcomed Dutch journalist Wanda Bregman, a writer for the popular travel platform “Travel Valley” in the Netherlands with 320,000 monthly visitors.
"I was awestruck by the greenery and sights in Salalah, as opposed to the idea of a desert that I had in mind about the area," commented Wanda after her stay.
"I loved learning about Oman's maritime history at the Al Baleed Archaeological Park & Museum of the Frankincense Land."
Her visit allowed her to generate engaging content to reintroduce Oman to Dutch travellers and media.
As part of the continued outreach initiatives, the resort also attended a travel trade roadshow across three cities in Slovakia – Košice, Zilina, and Bratislava, reaching over 270 tour operators and travel agents.
"We are thrilled to showcase the enchanting destination of Oman to audiences across Europe," said Anoop Joseph, Director of Sales & Marketing at Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah.
"Oman is experiencing remarkable tourism growth, and we aim to highlight why the Sultanate should be on every traveller's wish list."
The resort will also be part of the World Travel Market happening in London, and the Italian and German Roadshows in association with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism later this year.
Recent data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) shows that the tourism sector posted a direct added value of OMR 1.1 billion at the end of 2022. The number of inbound visitors in 2022 stood at about 2.9 million, an increase of 348% over the 2021 figure of 652,000 – with 360,000 visitors from Europe.
With Oman's tourism expanding rapidly, guests looking to book an unforgettable Omani getaway can join IHG One Rewards for the best rates at Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah and over 6,000 hotels worldwide.
|
|
