Union Cabinet approved MoU on Tourism between India and Oman

Union Cabinet on 28 January 2015 approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism between India and Oman.

The MoU will strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism between tourism ministries of both the countries.

The main objectives of the MoU are to

• Expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector

• Exchange information and data related to tourism

• Encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including hotels and tour operators

• Establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development

• Invest in the tourism and hospitality sectors

• Promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism

Background

Oman is an important tourism source market for India in the West Asian region. According to Tourism Ministry data, during 2013, India received 62252 visitors from Oman. Similarly, India has emerged as one of the important source market for Oman in the field of tourism.

India and Oman have enjoyed a strong historical and long economic and political relationship. The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner for India in the Gulf region and an important interlocutor in the bilateral, Arab Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League and the Indian Ocean Rim Association contexts.