International conference in Oman addresses role of museums in tourism development

Times of Oman

18-05-2025

Manah: The deliberations of the international conference titled 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" began on Sunday at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate.
The event, held under the patronage of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brings together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries.
Organised by the Oman Across Ages Museum in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference seeks to highlight the role of museums and heritage institutions in tourism development and cultural preservation.
It also aims to promote museum tourism, cultural economy, and related investment opportunities, explore the educational and knowledge-based role of museums through academic partnerships, and leverage modern digital technologies to enrich visitor experiences. Additionally, the conference facilitates the exchange of expertise at both local and international levels.
Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, stated that this international conference coincides with International Museum Day and seeks to foster meaningful partnerships and communication between official and private institutions in Oman's museum sector, alongside international participants from around the world. The discussions will revolve around peer-reviewed research papers, and the event also features a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the role of museum institutions in Oman.
He emphasised that organising this conference is a significant step toward future events that highlight collaborative efforts among institutions involved in cultural, scientific, intellectual, and museum-related fields.
In his speech, Eng. Yaqdhan Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, affirmed that the conference underscores the museum's pivotal role in sustainable development as a mirror of identity and a driving force for cultural tourism. He noted that museums have become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, presenting history as an interactive experience that engages the senses and intellect, offering visitors opportunities for conscious participation. Museums also serve as a civilizational platform fostering intercultural dialogue, providing authentic knowledge experiences, and supporting the creative economy while diversifying income sources, he said.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Dr. Sharqi Dahmali, President of the Arab Museums Organisation and member of the Advisory Council and Strategic Planning Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). He began by defining museums and their scientific, cultural, and touristic roles for nations, emphasising their services in conveying core messages and fulfilling their social and humanitarian roles, particularly in scientific marketing. He also outlined various methods for presenting museum exhibits and explored ideas connecting Omani and Moroccan museums, given their cultural ties.
Dr. Dahmali reviewed ICOM's role in museum development and international cooperation, as well as its efforts in collections management and museum administration. He discussed ICOM's professional and ethical standards for museum activities, its recommendations on cultural heritage issues, and its initiatives to build professional capacities in protecting museums and movable cultural heritage during crises.
The conference is accompanied by six specialised workshops focusing on museum work and providing a platform for knowledge and practical interaction among participants. The workshops cover diverse topics such as digital technologies, museum management, community experiences, and cultural content development, bridging theoretical and practical approaches. The event also includes a parallel exhibition featuring participation from various government and private institutions.
The conference will address practical themes, with the first session titled 'Museum and Heritage Institutions" exploring the importance of museums and archaeological sites in tourism development, the role of archaeological missions in uncovering civilizational and historical depth, legislative frameworks for museums in safeguarding national heritage, and the role of international organizations in protecting museum and heritage components. It will also discuss development plans for preparing archaeological and museum sites for tourism.
The second theme, 'Economy and Museum Tourism," will examine museums' contributions to tourism and economic development, the economic dimensions of tourism growth, financial and human resources in museum tourism, the role of travel agencies in promoting museums, and how museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions contribute to national and individual income. Discussions will also cover sustainable investment in museums, tourism seasons, and museum and archaeological promotion.
The third theme focuses on the cultural and educational role of museums, addressing curricula that emphasise museums' importance in education, collaboration between museums and academic institutions, the cultural and touristic role of private museums, and their historical and social value in scientific research. It will also explore museums' role in promoting tourism culture, serving society, and producing educational and intellectual content.
The fourth theme will delve into digital technologies and experiences in museum exhibitions, their impact on cultural tourism, and their role in enhancing knowledge and intellectual engagement. It will also address the use of artificial intelligence in museum displays.
The conference aims to highlight the role of museums and archaeological sites in boosting tourism, raise public awareness of museums' importance in tourism development, examine the relationship between tourism-related institutions and their role in revitalising museum activity, and strengthen cooperation between Omani, Arab, and international museums.
It will also showcase their experiences in promoting Oman's civilizational and cultural aspects, marketing the Sultanate of Oman as a cultural and historical hub in the Arab world, with a focus on archaeological tourism and the significance of modern digital technologies in museum exhibitions and tourism promotion.