Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience" programme kicks off in Muscat
Muscat: The "Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience" programme, organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism from 25-28 May commenced on Monday with the participation of a delegation from the Saudi Tourism Authority and several Saudi companies specialising in the tourism sector.
The programme aims to showcase Oman's expertise in adventure tourism regulation and facilitate knowledge exchange with Omani companies operating in this field.
This initiative falls within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation—particularly in adventure tourism, which is witnessing rapid regional and international growth. Both countries boast diverse natural, geographical, and geological environments, creating an ideal setting for this tourism segment.
Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of Product Development and Tourism Experiences at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, emphasised that the programme aligns with the Ministry's efforts to regulate and develop adventure tourism under international standards and frameworks. This supports the goals of "Oman Vision 2040" to diversify and sustain the tourism sector.
She noted that the programme offers a platform to highlight licensed Omani companies' experiences, showcase the Ministry's infrastructure and regulatory advancements, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector. She underscored the importance of regional collaboration, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to boost mutual tourism and deliver integrated, enriching experiences for visitors.
The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation by the Ministry on Oman's adventure tourism landscape, alongside interactive showcases by leading Omani companies and adventurers. The first day also included a specialised exhibition where Omani firms displayed cutting-edge adventure equipment, emphasising compliance with international safety standards.
The programme includes field visits to key tourist destinations, such as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye
Muscat, June 3 The Sultanate of Oman launched its first tourist hot air balloon as part of the 'Oman Balloons' project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Türkiye, during the promotional phase of the project. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to develop and diversify the tourism product while enhancing Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, announced that the hot air balloon will arrive in Oman by September, with operations starting in October at Stars Gate Camp in Bidiyah. 'Our objective is to make Oman an attractive hot air balloon destination. We plan to participate in all the tourism festivals conducted in different governorates of Oman. We would also like to have a school to train hot air balloon riders. We will also be the agents for the Pasha Balloons to be represented in other GCC countries,' he said. Al Abri emphasised Oman's heritage, unique features, nature and tranquillity, noting that hot air balloon adds entertainment and adventure to the tourism experience. The project aims to bring international expertise in hot air balloon tourism to Oman, enhancing tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors. "Oman Balloon No 1" will begin flights from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore Oman's diverse tourism attractions from the sky. The hot air balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and is designed to withstand Omani weather conditions, with a capacity for up to 20 passengers and a technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for its role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This initiative showcases Oman's natural and cultural heritage from an innovative perspective, attracting a wider range of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.
Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Hot air balloon rides in Bidiyah soon following trial in Turkey
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – An Omani firm has completed a hot air balloon trial in Cappadocia, Turkey ahead of plans to introduce rides in North Sharqiyah. The first commercial flights will take place in Bidiyah, offering views of the desert and surrounding terrain. Led by Oman Balloons in cooperation with Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the project is part of efforts to diversify Oman's tourism offerings and enhance its appeal on regional and international tourism maps. Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder of Oman Balloons, informed Muscat Daily that the company partnered with a Turkish manufacturer that makes certified hot air balloons. 'The balloon was successfully tested, and we used the initial operation to promote tourism in Oman,' he said. Certified by Civil Aviation Authority, the hot air balloon is designed for Omani weather conditions and can carry up to 20 passengers. It will be operated by a certified pilot and assistant.
Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman presents commemorative plaque to WTO in Geneva
Muscat – Oman has gifted a commemorative plaque to World Trade Organization (WTO) to mark the visit of H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said to its headquarters in Geneva on June 21, 2023. Created by Omani artist Salem bin Khamis al Salami, the plaque is a symbolic representation of Oman's civilisational heritage, natural diversity and its future development vision. It was created under the supervision of Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in collaboration with Omani Society for Arts, which is affiliated to Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. Presentation of the plaque reflects Oman's approach to cultural diplomacy and its growing engagement with international institutions. H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said, 'This initiative reflects Oman's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and building international partnerships through the arts.' He also praised H H Sayyid Bilarab's role in promoting art as a means of global communication. H E Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture in Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, described the gift as a 'cultural and civilisational statement' aligned with Oman Vision 2040. H E Idris bin Abdulrahman al Khanjari, Oman's Permanent Representative to United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, emphasised the diplomatic significance of the gesture. The plaque is now displayed in WTO's Salle des Pas Perdus, a space reserved for artwork that celebrate dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of WTO, said, 'A nice ceremony to unveil the beautiful painting gifted by Oman to WTO. The occasion also marked Oman's 25th year of accession to WTO. We appreciate Oman for this wonderful gift. Congratulations and many thanks to H H Sayyid Bilarab who took special interest in this project, to the artist, to the ambassador and the team for the hard work.'
