Latest news with #HeritageandTourism
Muscat Daily
2 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Unified governance framework for tourism in Oman soon
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.'
Tourism Breaking News
5 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Oman signs RO 56 million in tourism development for major projects across the Sultanate
Post Views: 56 The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct contracts valued at over RO 56 million to develop major tourism projects aimed at boosting Oman's hospitality and adventure tourism sectors. The contracts cover the development of integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab and Nakhl, and the transformation of Wadi Al Shab in Sur into a premier adventure tourism destination. The agreements were signed under the patronage of H.E. Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The first project focuses on the enhancement of Wadi Al Shab, a prominent natural attraction in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The initiative includes the construction of an adventure park featuring zip lines, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas for both adults and children, as well as restaurants and cafés. The project is designed to attract both local and international tourists year-round while promoting environmental sustainability. The second contract was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company for the establishment of the 'Sandan – Khasab Pearl' integrated tourism complex. Spanning 43,658 square meters in the Wilayat of Khasab, the project will feature a 4-star hotel with 200 rooms and 450 residential units available for ownership by Omanis and foreign nationals. The third project, 'Hamyan Village,' will be developed by Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company on a 201,031 square meter plot in Halban, Wilayat of Nakhl, South Al Batinah Governorate. Represented by Saud Hamad Al Ta'ei, the company will build a 4-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including apartments and villas, and a variety of amenities such as a market, restaurants, water park, and other recreational services.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
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.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman signs RO 56 million pacts to boost tourism
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three significant usufruct agreements valued at over RO 56 million to develop integrated tourism projects in the wilayats of Khasab, Nakhal and Sur. The agreements, signed on Sunday, May 25, by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, mark a major step in Oman's strategy to enhance its tourism sector and diversify the national economy. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group and represented by its CEO Hashel bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, covers the development of Wadi Shab, Wilayat of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. This project seeks to position Wadi Shab as a year-round eco-adventure destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The planned development will include an adventure park featuring a zipline, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking paths, and designated swimming areas for both children and adults. The site will also offer restaurants and cafes, all designed to blend with the valley's rich biodiversity, geological features and natural attractions such as clear water pools, caves and waterfalls. With an investment of RO 2 million, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months from the date the agreement is activated. It will also open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the area. The second agreement was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company, represented by its Managing Director Hilal bin Nasser al Harthy, to develop an integrated tourism complex named 'Sandan – The Pearl of Khasab". Located on a 43,658-square-metre plot of government land, the project is strategically situated near key attractions such as Khasab Fort and the Atana Musandam Hotel. It will feature a four-star hotel with 200 rooms, along with 450 residential units available for purchase by Omanis and non-Omanis alike. Complementing these will be a traditional-style market, retail outlets, diverse dining options, and various recreational and service facilities. With an investment cost estimated at RO 17 million, the project is expected to create between 250 and 300 jobs and will be completed within a seven-year period. The third and largest agreement involves Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company, represented by Managing Director Saud bin Hamad al Taie. The company will develop 'Hamyan Village", an integrated tourism complex in the Wilayat of Nakhal, Al Batinah South Governorate. Spanning 201,031 square metres of government land, the project will include a four-star hotel with 156 rooms and 535 residential units comprising villas and apartments, all available for local and foreign ownership. The development will also include a market, various restaurants, a water park, and a range of recreational and service amenities. With a total investment of RO 38 million, the project is expected to be completed within three years and will create between 300 and 350 job opportunities. Commenting on the projects, Dr Rashid bin Saleh al Hinai, Director-General of Planning at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, noted that these developments reflect Oman's commitment to sustainable tourism and economic diversification. He highlighted the expected positive impact on local communities through job creation and support for SMEs, while also enhancing Oman's appeal as a leading destination for nature, heritage and adventure tourism. — ONA
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Pacts inked to develop tourist sites in Wadi Al Shab, Nakhal, Khasab
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) signed three usufruct contracts to build two integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab and Nakhal, and to develop Wadi al Shab in the Wilayat of Sur, for RO56 million. As part of the tourism development plan in the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, signed usufruct agreements for the implementation of two integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab (Sindan - Pearl of Khasab) and Nakhl (Hamyan Village), and the development of Wadi Shab in the Wilayat of Sur. The first agreement signed with the CEO of Omran Group to develop Wadi Shab in the Wilayat of Tiwi, Sur, South al Sharqiyah Governorate, aims to develop the valley as an integrated year-round tourist destination. The goal is to attract tourists from within and outside the Sultanate, providing a tourism experience that combines adventure and recreation and promotes environmental sustainability. Wadi Shab Omran will implement an adventure park that includes a zip line, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking trails, swimming areas for children and adults, restaurants, and cafes. Wadi Shab is an area rich in biodiversity and geological formations, and offers clear water, caves, and waterfalls. It is an ideal location for nature and adventure lovers. Khasab While the second usufruct contract was with Khasab Development and Investment Company to establish an integrated tourism complex project (Sandan - Pearl of Khasab) on a government tourism land with an area of 43,658 sqm. The company was represented by Hilal bin Nasser bin Hamad al Harthy, the company's managing director, who signed the agreement. The project is distinguished by its location near the sea and tourist attractions in the Wilayat of Khasab, such as Khasab Fort and Atana Musandam Hotel. The project includes a 4-star hotel with a total capacity of 200 hotel rooms and residential apartments comprising 450 residential units that will be available for ownership to Omanis and other nationalities, a market with a heritage character, shops, various restaurants, and recreational and service facilities. Nakhal The third usufruct contract was signed with Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company to establish an integrated tourism complex project (Hamyan Village) in the Halban area of the Wilayat of Nakhal in the South Al Batinah Governorate on government land with an area of (201,031 sqm. The company was represented in signing the usufruct agreement by Saud bin Hamad bin Issa al Taie, the managing director of the company. The project will include a four-star hotel with a total capacity of 156 hotel rooms and 535 residential units of apartments and villas that will be available for ownership to Omanis and other nationalities. The project will also include a market, various restaurants, a water park, and other recreational and service facilities.
