Oman Explores USA for MICE Opportunities

Oman’s standing as a new, emerging destination for international business events was showcased at the recent IMEX America convention and meetings industry tradeshow.

An Omani delegation led by the country’s government-mandated organisation, Omran, which oversees the development of significant tourism infrastructure projects attended the event to ensure the country's readiness leading up to the completion of its cornerstone project, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2016.

Omran CEO, Mr. Wael Al Lawati, said the objective of the visit was to understand the globalisation strategies of international organisations based in North America, determine how Oman can be part of this and also meet with other countries to share their experiences.

Since its debut into the North American market last year, IMEX America has recorded a 30% growth in exhibitor participation from 140 countries and 2,400 hosted buyers in attendance in 2012.

“Our venue operator, AEG Ogden co-ordinated meetings with the executives of the peak convention industry bodies to learn and understand what are the essential elements and services required to win the confidence of the North American meeting planners to choose Oman and implement a strategy to support our capacity building,” said Mr Al Lawati said.
“Whilst it is important to have all the infrastructure in place, it is also essential that the Omani community are fully prepared to offer the level of services that is required to host world-class events. It is no use building international-standard venues, resorts and hotels if we do not fully understand the exact needs of these key decision makers and have the ability to entice their participants to attend and stay a few extra days to explore Oman’s natural beauty and diversity. Omran is focused on developing environmentally sustainable projects, to ensure that every person leaves our shores with the desire to return again and again with their family and friends.”

He said the visit was also significant, given the historical treaty of friendship and trade that was signed between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States in 1833. “Here we are, almost 180 years later, introducing Oman to the US as a new, but significant business events destination,” he said.

Accompanying Mr Al Lawati were Ambassador Richard Baltimore, an advisor to the Board and former US Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and Ms Rochelle Uechtritz, Group Manager, Convention Sales Development with AEG Ogden.

Ms Uechtritz said about 23% of international associations were headquartered in North America and given the already strong trade partnerships between the two nations, it was only fitting to expand on these relations by attracting international conventions.

“Omanis have been actively involved in international and regional associations for decades and have been asked to host many of the world’s most prestigious congresses, however that has not been possible until the development of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre,” she said.

While in the US, Ms Uechtritz also participated in the annual two-day Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Global Professional Conference aimed at creating stronger awareness and knowledge of Oman to more than 40 international meeting planners.

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