Latest news with #HEMahrouqi
25-05-2025
- Business
RO56mn for Wadi Shab development, ITCs in Nakhal and Khasab
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct agreements valued at RO56mn to develop two integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) and transform Wadi Shab into a year-round destination for nature and adventure tourism. This is in line with efforts to diversify the economy and boost the tourism sector. The projects are located in three governorates. The agreements were signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, at a ceremony on Sunday. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group worth RO2mn, is for development of Wadi Shab in Tiwi, wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah. The site will be transformed into an eco-tourism destination, featuring a zip line, mountain trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas and dining facilities. 'Wadi Shab is a site of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity, known for its clear waters, caves and waterfalls,' H E Mahrouqi said. 'This project will promote environmental sustainability while offering unique recreational experiences.' The second agreement is for development of the Sandan – Pearl of Khasab tourism complex in Musandam. Built on a 43,658sqm site near Khasab Fort and Atana Musandam Hotel, it will include a 200-room four-star hotel, 450 residential units for Omanis and foreign nationals, a traditional market, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. The third agreement is for the Halban Gardens complex in wilayat of Nakhal in South Batinah. Spread over 201,031sqm, the project will feature a four-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including villas and apartments, a market, water park, restaurants and recreational amenities. In a statement, the ministry said the agreements reflect the government's strategy to promote sustainable tourism and attract investment to key regions. The projects support Oman Vision 2040 objectives to position tourism as a key non-oil economic sector while preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MHT eyes alternatives to sustain tourism amid Oman Air route cuts
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working to offset the potential impact of Oman Air's reduced international routes by expanding alternative travel options and targeting emerging tourism markets, according to H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Speaking to a local radio station, H E Mahrouqi acknowledged that the restructuring of the national carrier would 'undoubtedly have a direct effect on Omani tourism'. However, he said the ministry is actively pursuing strategies to maintain momentum in the sector. 'We are now concentrating on increasing our presence in new and emerging markets such as China, Russia, and the Far East. Our target is to attract three million tourists from these markets,' he said. He noted that the restructuring of Oman Air is aligned with the ministry's long-term objectives and expressed optimism that the airline would recover and regain financial stability by next year. In response to the flight reductions, the ministry is also focusing on charter flight operations. H E Mahrouqi said the model had yielded promising results in Dhofar, with 500 charter flights received between October 2023 and April 2024. 'This model has proven successful, and we are planning to expand it to the other key regions like Muscat, Suhar and Musandam, especially after the completion of the new airport in Musandam,' he said. Efforts are also underway to restore routes previously suspended by international carriers. 'There are several well-established international airlines that had previously halted services to Oman, and we are working hard to bring them back by offering additional incentives,' he added. The minister stressed that these measures are aimed at preserving Oman's competitiveness as a tourist destination despite current airline limitations. According to the ministry, tourism contributed 2.4% to Oman's GDP in 2021. The target is to raise this to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040. To support this, the ministry is encouraging local businesses to register with the 'Oman Tourism Hub', a platform that enables participation in national and international promotional campaigns. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
06-04-2025
- Business
MHT eyes alternatives to sustain tourism amid Oman Air route cuts
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working to offset the potential impact of Oman Air's reduced international routes by expanding alternative travel options and targeting emerging tourism markets, according to H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Speaking to a local radio station, H E Mahrouqi acknowledged that the restructuring of the national carrier would 'undoubtedly have a direct effect on Omani tourism'. However, he said the ministry is actively pursuing strategies to maintain momentum in the sector. H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi 'We are now concentrating on increasing our presence in new and emerging markets such as China, Russia, and the Far East. Our target is to attract three million tourists from these markets,' he said. He noted that the restructuring of Oman Air is aligned with the ministry's long-term objectives and expressed optimism that the airline would recover and regain financial stability by next year. In response to the flight reductions, the ministry is also focusing on charter flight operations. H E Mahrouqi said the model had yielded promising results in Dhofar, with 500 charter flights received between October 2023 and April 2024. 'This model has proven successful, and we are planning to expand it to the other key regions like Muscat, Suhar and Musandam, especially after the completion of the new airport in Musandam,' he said. Efforts are also underway to restore routes previously suspended by international carriers. 'There are several well-established international airlines that had previously halted services to Oman, and we are working hard to bring them back by offering additional incentives,' he added. The minister stressed that these measures are aimed at preserving Oman's competitiveness as a tourist destination despite current airline limitations. According to the ministry, tourism contributed 2.4% to Oman's GDP in 2021. The target is to raise this to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040. To support this, the ministry is encouraging local businesses to register with the 'Oman Tourism Hub', a platform that enables participation in national and international promotional campaigns.
24-03-2025
- Business
$7.8bn boost to Oman's tourism sector by 2030
13 integrated tourism complex projects currently under development, 12 more in pipeline Muscat – Oman is set to invest RO3bn (US$7.8bn) in tourism with the aim of increasing the sector's contribution to the GDP to 3.5% by 2030, according to H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Speaking at a Majlis A'Shura session on Monday, H E Mahrouqi highlighted tourism sector's growing economic role, noting that its direct contribution to the national economy rose from RO873mn in 2019 to RO1bn in 2023. Total tourism production increased from RO1.8bn to RO2bn in the same period, while domestic tourism saw an upsurge, with local visits rising from 10mn in 2019 to 13mn in 2023, and local spend growing from RO732mn to RO830mn. The minister stated that integrated tourism complexes play a key role in attracting foreign investments. 'Thirteen projects are currently under development, with another 12 in the pipeline,' he said, adding that a tourism economic cluster in Dakhliyah is the model Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) aims to replicate in other regions. Several key tourism sites are undergoing development and rehabilitation, including Jabal Abyad, Wakan Village, Wadi Shab, Bandar al Khairan and Ras al Hadd. Efforts are also underway to preserve world heritage sites such as Qalhat, Bat and the archaeological site of Dibba. Proposals have been submitted to include Bisya and Salut in Unesco's World Heritage List. As part of a broader cultural strategy, MHT is developing museums, including the Maritime History Museum in Sur and relocating the Natural History Museum to Oman Botanic Garden. The 5,400sqkm Al Hajar Geological Park, spanning three governorates, is also expected to become a major eco-tourism attraction. On the much-anticipated GCC Unified Visa, the minister acknowledged ongoing discussions but said implementation has been delayed due to security concerns and differing perspectives among GCC nations, particularly regarding travellers from politically unstable regions. In Dhofar, nearly RO800,000 has been allocated to enhance tourism facilities with the goal of positioning the governorate as a year-round destination. Addressing development in Masirah Island, H E Mahrouqi said, 'Land is available for investment, and we have welcomed dozens of investors from Russia, Egypt and the GCC states. However, we need to develop the airport and other facilities to attract further investments, and necessary exemptions will be provided. A special office will be set up to promote Masirah.' The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving Oman's architectural heritage, stating that 370 monuments have been restored to date. A periodic maintenance programme is in place, prioritised based on financial resources, while private partnerships are being explored to enhance investment potential.
