Latest news with #HEAzzanbinQasimalBusaidi
26-05-2025
- Business
Oman engages governorates to reform tourism sector
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, launched a national workshop in Muscat on Monday to address governance challenges in the development of the heritage and tourism sectors. The four-day workshop brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies, and experts in governance, planning and tourism. The event aims to enhance institutional coordination, support decentralisation, and explore sustainable approaches to managing and financing tourism services. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi It also seeks to improve public-private partnerships, raise institutional efficiency, and contribute to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the workshop has been designed to strengthen coordination between local and national stakeholders and develop governance frameworks that support the economy and promote Omani cultural identity. 'The workshop created a platform to identify challenges, share experiences and formulate practical solutions,' he said. 'Feedback from the governors played a key role in shaping the agenda.' He emphasised the importance of empowering local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and using it to benefit future generations. The workshop would focus on three areas – governance and institutional integration to improve coordination; investment and tourism development governance to enhance the investment environment; and the development of facilities and services to upgrade infrastructure and visitor experiences. Participants are reviewing governance models and attending presentations on the role of governorates, the ministry's responsibilities and mechanisms for implementing decentralisation. Sessions highlight how stronger governance can improve institutional performance and ensure sustainable growth in line with national development goals.
26-04-2025
- Business
Oman to showcase tourism potential at ATM Dubai
Muscat – Oman will participate in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which opens on Monday in Dubai, through an official delegation led by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The Omani delegation will include representatives from 37 tourism companies, institutions, and hotels, reflecting the sultanate's efforts to strengthen its presence in the global travel and tourism sector. ATM 2025 is expected to gather leading hospitality brands, tourism sector influencers and emerging destinations, showcasing the latest trends shaping the luxury travel industry. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's (MHT's) participation is part of its promotional plan for the year to enhance Oman's profile as a tourist destination and to build strategic partnerships that support the sector's development. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the event provides a vital platform for Omani companies to meet international partners and explore new partnership opportunities. He added that Oman's participation would focus on adopting modern global trends, especially in luxury, adventure, and sustainable tourism, to develop competitive tourism products and services. H E Busaidi noted that Oman's tourism sector has recorded significant growth in recent years, supported by increased investments in infrastructure, hotel facilities and organisation of cultural and natural heritage events. He said participation in ATM 2025 reflects Oman's commitment to enhancing competitiveness, attracting quality investments, and achieving the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040. The event is expected to feature over 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries and attract more than 55,000 visitors. It will offer opportunities for business deals and updates on the latest developments in the tourism sector. Key discussion sessions during the exhibition will address emerging trends, including the influence of new generations on luxury travel services and the creation of new travel experiences.
25-02-2025
- Business
Oman tourism gets RO2.4bn investment boost
Muscat – The tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth with investments reaching approximately RO2.4bn by the end of 2024. As part of its economic diversification strategy, the government aims to raise the sector's contribution to 5.9% of the nation's GDP by 2040. Progress was discussed during the 24th dialogue session on Tuesday hosted by Omani Economic Association, where industry leaders examined opportunities, challenges and strategies for sustainable tourism development. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the sector has fully recovered from the effects of COVID-19 with key tourism indicators now surpassing pre-pandemic levels. He informed that Oman now has around 1,000 hotel facilities, signalling robust sector expansion. However, financial challenges persist for private tourism enterprises due to the lasting impact of the pandemic. H E Busaidi also noted the ministry's efforts to regulate over 1,500 unlicensed accommodation facilities currently operating in the market. In a move to attract more international visitors, Oman has reopened its tourism representative office in China, tapping into a rapidly expanding market. Several major tourism development projects are also underway, including initiatives in Jabal Abyad, Ras al Hadd, Muttrah corniche, the sand dunes of North Sharqiyah and South Sharqiyah, and Jabal Akhdar. Dr Khalid bin Saeed al Amri, Chairman of Omani Economic Association, emphasised tourism's growing contribution to national revenue and its central role in economic diversification. Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has set ambitious goals for 2025, including increasing tourism's contribution to the GDP to 2.75% at constant prices, attracting RO3bn in investments between 2021 and 2025, and expanding Oman's hotel capacity to 33,000 rooms by the end of 2025. The dialogue reaffirmed the importance of strong public-private partnership in driving tourism growth. By addressing challenges and leveraging new opportunities, Oman aims to position itself as a leading global tourist destination while supporting sustainable economic growth and increasing international visitor numbers.
