Latest news with #HeritageandTourism
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman's tourism sector contributes over RO2 billion in 2024
Muscat: The tourism sector's contribution to the national economy rose to RO2.12 billion by the end of 2024, compared to RO1.75 billion in 2018, representing a growth rate of 3.2 percent, according to the latest data released by the National Center for Statistics and Information. The sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) rose to RO2.7 billion, compared to RO2.3 billion in 2018, reflecting the overall impact of tourism as an engine of growth. Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), said that the positive indicators achieved by the tourism sector in 2024, such as the increase in visitors to the country, are the result of government policies supporting economic diversification, as well as integration with various government agencies, which has played a key role in creating an attractive investment and accelerating the pace of delivery of tourism projects. He underlined the Ministry's commitment to adopting innovative promotional policies, expanding partnerships with the private sector, and developing tourism products and services to meet visitor aspirations and enhance the tourist experience. Spending Total spending on tourism in the Sultanate of Oman rose to RO1.02 billion in 2024, compared to RO960 million in 2018. Direct value added by the tourism grew by 5.3 percent, RO1.09 billion, compared to RO799.7 million in 2018, and it demonstrated the integration with sectors such as transportation, hospitality, retail, and culture. Incoming visitors The Sultanate of Oman received around 3.8 million visitors in 2024, of which 68.2 percent were overnight visitors and 31.8 percent were same-day visitors. Total tourism spending by these visitors amounted to RO989 million, with an average per capita expenditure of RO253.8. Need for facilitating travel between Gulf countries The data showed that more than 55 percent of incoming visitors were residents of the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the importance of enhancing land connectivity and facilitating travel between Gulf countries. International visitors European visitors accounted for 16 percent of the total visitors, compared to Asian nationalities (13.2 percent), indicating the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns launched by the Ministry in cooperation with overseas offices. Lesiure destination As for reasons for coming to the Sultanate of Oman, Leisure topped the list with 70.2 percent, followed by visiting relatives and friends (17.9 percent), and shopping (5 percent). The average length of stay ranged between 5 and 6 nights, with a total of 14.8 million tourist nights, confirming the ability of destinations in Oman to attract visitors for longer periods. Regarding accommodation patterns, hotel establishments have witnessed a growth in demand, enhancing the feasibility of investing in tourism facilities, particularly in governorates witnessing development in the tourism infrastructure, such as Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Dakhiliyah. The number of outgoing visitors was 8.1 million, spending a total of RO1.8 billion, with an average per capita expenditure of RO218.5. This reflects the volume of domestic spending on outbound tourism and opens the way for developing initiatives to enhance tourism.
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO3mn pact to build visitor centre in Qalhat
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed an agreement on Monday worth RO3mn with Oman LNG Development Foundation to finance the establishment of a visitor centre at the ancient city of Qalhat. The initiative forms part of the ministry's strategy to develop and promote Unesco World Heritage sites across the sultanate. To be constructed on a 5,000sqm site, the centre will feature two museum halls to showcase archaeological finds, along with administrative offices, a gift shop, café, outdoor event space, internal walkways linking the centre to the heritage site, shaded seating areas and parking facilities. The agreement was signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr Amer bin Nasser al Matani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation. Located in South Sharqiyah, Qalhat is one of Oman's oldest known cities and maritime hubs. Strategically located overlooking the Sea of Oman, its port once served as an important hub in ancient trade routes connecting India, Yemen and other parts of the world. The city was also a key centre for exporting Arabian horses. Commenting on the agreement, Khalifa al Farsi, Director of the Ancient City of Qalhat Department, described the visitor centre as a major addition to both Qalhat and Sur. Qalhat was officially inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2018, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cleanup underway after straight-line winds cause damage to trees, cabin at Devil's Den State Park
WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Cleanup is underway at Devil's Den State Park after straight-line winds damaged parts of the park over the weekend, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. A spokesperson for the department said in a statement on Thursday that more than 100 trees were downed due to the winds. 'Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with approximately 80% of debris expected to be removed by [Friday],' the spokesperson said. Hot rotisserie chicken not yet approved in Arkansas SNAP waiver Cabins 1 through 10 at the park are closed because of ongoing renovations by a professional contractor and will remain off-market until renovations are complete. No word was given if those cabins suffered damage. The spokesperson said Cabins 11 through 20 were in use during the storm. After closing and inspecting those cabins, Cabin 12 will be closed due to storm damage. The park temporarily lost water after the storm, but service is expected to be restored by Thursday evening, according to the spokesperson. Park Superintendent Jay Schneider said all camping areas and restrooms are open. The pool, park store and café remained closed on Thursday and are expected to reopen on Friday, Schneider said. Five of the park's 11 trails are currently open: Yellow Rock Trail Devil's Den Trail CCC Trail Lake Trail Yellow Horse Trail No details were given on when the other trails will 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tourism Ministry unveils new projects and plans for Khareef 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a number of key tourism projects in the governorate aimed at enriching the visitor experience and enhancing the sector's capacity. The initiatives include the launch of luxury serviced apartments in the wilayat of Salalah, offering 216 rooms, as well as a new three-star hotel in the wilayat of Mirbat, with a total capacity of 84 rooms. Additionally, the Dhofar Private Museum has been opened to highlight the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. These developments come as part of the ministry's broader strategy to boost tourism infrastructure and attract more visitors during the khareef season, known for its unique weather and lush landscapes that distinguish the governorate from the rest of the Sultanate of Oman. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said the Khareef Dhofar season remains one of the most significant tourist events in the Sultanate of Oman, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. He noted the season's exceptional weather conditions and the natural beauty of the governorate, which make it a major destination for both domestic and international travellers. As part of its promotional programmes for Khareef Dhofar 2025, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to achieve three key objectives: Maximising visibility: Promote the season from the outset, ensuring wide coverage and awareness. Visitor distribution: Manage tourist flow during peak periods by segmenting the season into three phases. Increasing arrivals: Target GCC markets through intensified marketing campaigns to attract more tourists. The ministry has outlined three key periods for Khareef Dhofar 2025 to facilitate visitor planning and optimise the tourism experience: First period: June 21 – July 14 Second period: July 15 – August 30 Third period: September 1 – October 10 These efforts reflect the government's commitment to developing tourism as a vital contributor to the national economy and to promoting Dhofar as a leading cultural and natural destination in the region.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announce new outdoor education pilot program
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a new pilot program focused on education and outdoor recreation. On Wednesday, Gov. Sanders held a press conference at the Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center in Little Rock to announce the Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program. The governor said the pilot will be a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and is intended to equip students for a future career in outdoor recreation such as becoming an ecologist or researcher. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders grants over $460,000 for outdoor recreation Districts across the Natural State can apply to be one of 30 schools that implement new curriculum centered around outdoor education into classrooms that meet core and elective requirements, the governor said. 'If this program is successful in our first 30 pilot schools, which I know it will be, we have the opportunity to bring it to schools all across our state and establish a model for the whole country to follow,' Sanders said. Gov. Sanders said one of her priorities is to expand the state's outdoor economy. Sanders launched the Natural State Initiative, which is under the leadership of First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. The pilot program is one of this initiative's key objective, according to the governor. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chief of Education Mary Beth Hatch, Arkansas Secretary Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks Shea Lewis, and Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Doug Schoenrock also spoke at the press conference in support of the new pilot 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
