Unified governance framework for tourism in Oman soon

Muscat Daily

31-05-2025

Muscat – Oman will implement an integrated governance framework for its heritage and tourism sectors by the end of 2025 aiming to align the planning and development efforts of ministries and governorates under a single system.
The decision was announced following a four-day national workshop, titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', held from May 26 to 29. The event was organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) in cooperation with Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
The proposed framework will focus on institutional coordination, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and preparing development plans at the governorate level. It also seeks to build consensus on land allocation for heritage and tourism projects while encouraging private sector and civil society involvement.
Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said the ministry is halfway towards meeting its targets, but the growing role of governorates demands enhanced coordination.
'The governorates have become integrated tourist destinations in their own right due to their heritage and tourism assets,' he stated. He called for a unified environment that supports joint efforts between government entities, particularly at the municipal level.
H E Mahrouqi identified key challenges hindering sectoral development, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, centralised administrative processes and restricted local authority. He stressed the need to reduce bureaucracy and promote decentralisation.
'The ministry is committed to maintaining open channels of communication with governorates and municipal councils,' he added. 'Successes in the sector must be seen as collective achievements, not those of a single institution.'
Participants discussed practical strategies to overcome governance obstacles and to support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. These include raising tourism's share of GDP to 5.3%, attracting RO12bn in investments, improving Oman's ranking to within top 40 in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, and achieving 80% satisfaction rate among tourists.
Key discussion points included governance mechanisms, infrastructure needs, innovation in projects, sustainable development, and ensuring local economic benefits. Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development
ASMED urges stronger centre-governorate coordination for tourism growth
Muscat – Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), has called for closer coordination between central authorities and governorates to support tourism and heritage development across the sultanate.
Speaking at a workshop organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', Halima stressed the need for joint planning and a unified vision.
'Our work must be based on coordinated plans, not on emergency reactions,' she said, underlining the importance of strategic alignment between the central government and regional administrations.
Halima noted that the effectiveness of ASMED's support depends on the clarity of development plans at the governorate level. 'The more governorates have a clear plan for initiatives and events, the more effective and prepared we can be as an institution.'
She said a key challenge is the lack of shared annual planning among government entities. 'We submit our annual plan to the Council of Ministers early, and so do the governors, but these plans are rarely shared between us. Exchanging and harmonising plans at the beginning of each year will significantly accelerate achievement and improve responsiveness to local needs.'