Oman's  Muscat Festival kicks off today and expects over two million visitors by the time the fest ends on 24th February 2011. Events  include a Fashion Week, Tour of Oman cycle race (which  will feature over 120 of the best names from the Tour de France. ) a food fest and the Extreme Sailing World Championships.

As part of the Muscat Festival  playback singer, Sonu Nigam and  the  actress Lara Dutta  will take to the stage on 10th February 2011. Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan who has huge Omani fan following will  perform on 17th February 2011.

Oman plans to capitalize on the existing historical ties and similarities with India in culture, music, culinary delights and family values, according to Mr. Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of Tourism Events from Oman’s Ministry of Tourism.

Since the saintly Job ( rd Old Testament) was an Omani, I suggested to Mr Zadjali that like Dubai, Oman could also tap religious tourism and attract Indian pilgrim tourists bound for Israel,Egypt, and Jordan. Oman is already a popular stop for Zanzibar/DareSalaam travellers.

Being a part of the Holy Land itinerary may take time, but plans are on the anvil  to woo Indian filmmakers to shoot their movies in Oman. “Film tourism is a growing phenomenon worldwide. We realize the importance and the reach of the Indian film industry and plan to encourage Indian producers and studios to film in Oman,” says  Lubaina Sheerazi, Representative India, Sultanate Of Oman.presen.

Currently,  the traffic between India and Oman comprises of visiting friends and relatives and those travelling for employment.