Oman
The Big Interview:
Trevor McCartney
CMW spoke with OECC’ s general manager to learn more about the impact the OECC has made on Muscat
T o understand how Oman stands as a MICE player in the region, CMW spoke to Trevor McCartney, general manager at Oman Exhibition & Convention Centre.
How does Oman fit as a MICE destination? Despite the uncertainty in the world, people still need to meet and do business and continued growth in the Gulf has been encouraging. There is much more competition and new venues are opening up all the time but clients are also concerned about stability. Oman has a clear advantage here as it frequently ranks as one of the world ' s top 10 safest destinations.
What developments are in store? Oman is an ideal destination for conventions, incentives, exhibitions, live events and meetings and the OECC is the jewel in the crown of an exciting project that is the product of an ambition to establish a new urban centre within Muscat. Situated in close proximity to the new airport and enjoying excellent transport connections to the city, Madinat Al Irfan will become a gateway.
What does the OECC offer? The city will establish an integrated, sustainable and inclusive community, catering for different ages, income groups, and ethnicities. The centre offers a magnifi cent tiered theatre seating 3,200 people, an additional 450 person auditorium plus 20 meeting rooms, two ballrooms,
hospitality suites and large exhibition space, matched with spacious foyer and registration areas, the latest in technology and a range of international and local food.
How has demand changed? Oman is lucky; the Omani people are highly educated and we have many experts in a wide range of fi elds who are already involved in associations. Before the OECC existed there was demand to come to Oman but these events could not be held due to the limited capacity in our existing venues. Now we have the venue and Oman can compete on a global stage, as a new and exciting venue to host large scale events in the GCC region.
10 CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD