Oman is spending billions to boost tourism as part of a strategy to diversify its economy. But while the Sultanate is keen to attract more visitors, it is also determined to protect its culture and traditions. Oman recently unveiled a new scheme that places great importance on tourism as a way to diversify the country's economy away from oil. Under the new strategy, called 'Vision 2020', the government is teaming up with the private sector to invest more than $10bn in several major tourism projects. The country hopes that the new initiative will enable it to attract 12 million tourists annually by 2020, as compared to 3.2 million per annum at present. One of the key projects that has been launched is a major expansion of Muscat International Airport, which includes a new terminal building, an additional runway, and an upgrade to the existing runway that will enable it to handle the Airbus A380. When finished in 2011 the airport will be able to accommodate more than 12 million annual visitor arrivals.
Three smaller airports are also to be built in Nizwa, Salalah and Duqm to help promote these relatively new areas. The blueprint for Vision 2020 also entails the development of 10 new resorts over the next five years, including the newly opened Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, the $7bn Blue City complex, and the Wave, a beachfront resort costing $4bn. Oman Air is also doing its part by rolling out new service to Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris starting in September. The carrier will fly seven times a week to Germany and four times a week to Paris. Last but not least, Oman is building a venue for the 2010 Asian Beach Games, which it will host in Wudum Al Sahil near Muscat in December next year. In addition to building new resorts and infrastructure, Oman recently eased its visa policies to make it possible for nationals of up to 60 countries to receive entry visas on arrival at the airport.
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