Oman convention centre will help economy: McCartney

22/12/2014 05:45 AST

Business meetings industry can propel Oman's investment profile and contribute to the economic diversification of the Sultanate, said Trevor McCartney, general manager of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) recently at the Oman Tourism Summit.

McCartney explained how the impact of having the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre promises to spawn a wealth of socioeconomic benefits and positive implications for the longer term development of Oman as well as supporting the Ministry of Tourism's marketing strategy to promote Oman worldwide as a quality destination.

Held under the theme of 'Investments in Oman's tourism sector towards propelling national growth', the Oman Tourism Summit welcomed renowned professionals and business experts to offer their insights into industry trends and investment potential.

"In today's highly competitive world, a decision to engage in any part of the visitor economy will most likely introduce a significant investment. In the case of the meetings and business events sector, this investment will likely extend into the development of facilities that may be amongst the biggest infrastructure projects undertaken by a destination and the OCEC project here in Oman is a perfect example," said McCartney.

"To become the international venue of choice, OCEC is strategically developing a world class facility that can meet the criteria of event organisers, decision makers and the delegates thereafter. Bringing businesspeople here is the key; as they do not only statistically spend at three times the rate of leisure tourists, but attendee spending is merely the prelude to economic development, as large-scale business-based visitations generate local business prospects with longer term trade and investment potential," he added.

The presentation further elaborated upon how business events can bring added value outside of their economic contribution, clearly stating that events — particularly major national or international events — often attract the very best expertise in the world in the topic's particular field. This gives local access to a high level of knowledge transfer and international exposure for local professionals.

Major national or international events are already scheduled to be held at OCEC in 2016, through to 2021. This is set to have a strong impact and diverse return on OCEC and the business events sector, driving the local economies through the exchange of expertise, investment generation, job creation, talent acquisition and technical progress.

Times of Oman