Oman shows interest in India's hospitality sector

New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Greatly impressed with India's phenomenal strides in tourism, Oman today said it would convince its entrepreneurs to make investment in the country, especially in its booming hotel sector.

The assurance was given by Oman Tourism Minister Rajha bint Abdulameer Bin Ali during her meeting with Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni here.

During their half an hour meeting, Ms Soni informed that in the last calendar year, five million tourists arrived in India, resulting in a revenue generation of about 12 billion dollars.

She also briefed the visiting dignitary about rural tourism, eco- tourism, adventure tourism and other tourism related products.

Ms Soni said her Ministry was promoting rural tourism and shopping festivals in a big way to support rural artisans and keep the traditional handicrafts alive in the country.

She also informed that the Indian Government had allowed 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the hotel sector with single window clearance.

The Omanese side was told that a Memorandum of Understanding in the tourism sector was pending with the Oman Government and a reply is awaited from them.

Dr Ali showed keen interest in the procedure of FDI in the hotel sector and assured that she would convince Omanese investors to come forward to make investment in India.

She also showed interest in rural tourism and medical tourism being promoted in India. ''I am impressed with the way the Tourism Ministry in India is protecting and promoting traditional arts and handicrafts,'' she said.

UNI/SKS SKB HT1950