Latest news with #HeritageandTourismDepartment
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Fruit harvests and heritage sites boost Wakan Village tourism
Nakhal – Wakan Village in Wadi Mistal in Nakhal recorded 27,428 visitors between January and July this year, up from 24,093 during the same period in 2024, according to official statistics. The data includes tourists from Oman and abroad, reflecting the village's growing appeal as a year-round destination. Moatasem bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism Department in South Batinah, attributed the increase in number of visitors to the variety of attractions on offer. 'The village offers a range of experiences that make it a sustainable and appealing destination throughout the year,' he said. Summer draws significant numbers due to mild weather and seasonal fruit. Apricots are picked from early June, followed by peaches, figs and pomegranates in July. In August, grape varieties such as Muqdamani, Malasi and Sur are harvested, attracting more visitors, particularly during holidays and weekends. The opening of Wakan View Cafe, the third eatery in the village, has added to its appeal. Tourists can also stay in a guest house, hike along agricultural trails and trek ancient mountain paths, activities that attract adventure seekers from around the world. Wakan Village is also home to archaeological and historical landmarks, including an ancient mosque, an old neighbourhood and centuries-old agricultural terraces, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich heritage.
Muscat Daily
04-08-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Ibri sees tourism boom as GCC travellers transit to Dhofar
Ibri – The wilayat of Ibri in Dhahirah governorate is experiencing a noticeable rise in tourist and commercial activity during the months of July and August, driven largely by its strategic location as a transit point for travellers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries heading to Dhofar by road. This seasonal movement has led to a sharp increase in demand for accommodation, with many hotels and rest houses in Ibri reporting occupancy rates between 85% and 100%, according to Ali bin Khamis al Sudairy, Assistant Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Dhahirah. 'The governorate is witnessing significant hotel sector activity during the khareef season, which reflects growing interest from travellers using Ibri as a stopover en route to Dhofar,' said Sudairy. By the end of July 2025, the number of licensed hotels and accommodation facilities in Dhahirah had reached 55, up from 48 at the end of 2024—representing a 14.5% growth. The figure is expected to rise further by the end of the year, he added. Sudairy highlighted the strategic importance of the Rub al Khali border crossing, which links Oman to Saudi Arabia. He said the route has boosted land-based tourism and opened up investment opportunities along the corridor. 'New facilities such as fuel stations, express service centres, hotels and rest houses are contributing to the economic vitality of the governorate,' he said. Ibri's markets, malls, restaurants, cafés and other commercial establishments are also witnessing increased footfall during this period. Sudairy noted that the uptick in economic activity is creating both seasonal and long-term job opportunities for Omani youth across several sectors.
Muscat Daily
10-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Eco, heritage tourism drive South Sharqiyah's rise as travel hotspot
Sur – South Sharqiyah continues to be one of Oman's most visited regions, drawing thousands of visitors with its diverse natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) reported 38,793 tourist arrivals in the governorate in 2024, with the upward trend persisting into 2025. In the first quarter of this year, the region received 5,655 tourists. Known for its coastlines, wadis, mountain ranges and historical sites, South Sharqiyah has become massively popular among both domestic and international travellers. Its key attractions include the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Fatah al Khair Centre and Al Saleel Natural Park in the wilayat of Al Kamil Wal Wafi. The governorate is also home to a number of forts and castles that reflect Oman's rich architectural and maritime legacy. These sites, alongside traditional shipbuilding workshops and local heritage experiences, form the backbone of its tourism offering. Abdullah bin Rashid al Hajri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Sharqiyah, attributed the governorate's rising profile to its year-round appeal and geographical diversity. 'Several wilayats enjoy mild summer weather, which enhances the visitor experience,' he said. 'The combination of sea, mountains and desert offers endless possibilities for adventure seekers.' Hajri added that the region supports a range of activities, including camping, fishing, kitesurfing, and turtle watching – especially between June and August, when green turtles arrive to nest along the shores. He also urged travellers to explore key heritage sites such as Bilad Sur Fort, Al Snaisilah Fort, Ras al Hadd Fort, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort and Al Ayjah Fort, as well as natural landmarks such as Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Masirah Island, Mibam Village, and the Unesco-listed Falaj al Jeela and Kubaykib Tombs. South Sharqiyah's growing reputation is part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by boosting tourism. The focus is on leveraging local resources to attract sustainable visitor flows while generating employment and supporting the national GDP. New projects to support tourism In a move to improve tourism infrastructure and promote domestic travel, South Sharqiyah governorate has announced several new development projects across the region. The Governor's Office has floated tenders for the construction of a waterfront promenade in the Al Barr area of Sur and a public park in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. These initiatives aim to create integrated recreational spaces for families and tourists, while supporting environmental and tourism-related activities. Additionally, consultancy services are being sought for the design and technical supervision of the Ras al Hadd waterfront development project. Ras al Hadd is internationally recognised as an eco-tourism destination and nesting site for sea turtles. Interested companies have been asked to submit proposals by June 11, in accordance with the terms specified in the tender documents. The initiatives form part of the governorate's coordinated strategy, in collaboration with various government bodies, to enhance public services, promote sustainable tourism, and stimulate local economic growth through job creation.
Muscat Daily
09-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
South Sharqiyah registers growth in tourism, unveils new projects
Sur – South Sharqiyah continues to be one of Oman's most visited regions, drawing thousands of visitors with its diverse natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) reported 38,793 tourist arrivals in the governorate in 2024, with the upward trend persisting into 2025. In the first quarter of this year, the region received 5,655 tourists. Known for its coastlines, wadis, mountain ranges and historical sites, South Sharqiyah has become massively popular among both domestic and international travellers. Its key attractions include the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Fatah al Khair Centre and Al Saleel Natural Park in the wilayat of Al Kamil Wal Wafi. The governorate is also home to a number of forts and castles that reflect Oman's rich architectural and maritime legacy. These sites, alongside traditional shipbuilding workshops and local heritage experiences, form the backbone of its tourism offering. Abdullah bin Rashid al Hajri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Sharqiyah, attributed the governorate's rising profile to its year-round appeal and geographical diversity. 'Several wilayats enjoy mild summer weather, which enhances the visitor experience,' he said. 'The combination of sea, mountains and desert offers endless possibilities for adventure seekers.' Hajri added that the region supports a range of activities, including camping, fishing, kitesurfing, and turtle watching – especially between June and August, when green turtles arrive to nest along the shores. He also urged travellers to explore key heritage sites such as Bilad Sur Fort, Al Snaisilah Fort, Ras al Hadd Fort, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort and Al Ayjah Fort, as well as natural landmarks such as Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Masirah Island, Mibam Village, and the Unesco-listed Falaj al Jeela and Kubaykib Tombs. South Sharqiyah's growing reputation is part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by boosting tourism. The focus is on leveraging local resources to attract sustainable visitor flows while generating employment and supporting the national GDP. New projects to support tourism In a move to improve tourism infrastructure and promote domestic travel, South Sharqiyah governorate has announced several new development projects across the region. The Governor's Office has floated tenders for the construction of a waterfront promenade in the Al Barr area of Sur and a public park in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. These initiatives aim to create integrated recreational spaces for families and tourists, while supporting environmental and tourism-related activities. Additionally, consultancy services are being sought for the design and technical supervision of the Ras al Hadd waterfront development project. Ras al Hadd is internationally recognised as an eco-tourism destination and nesting site for sea turtles. Interested companies have been asked to submit proposals by June 11, in accordance with the terms specified in the tender documents. The initiatives form part of the governorate's coordinated strategy, in collaboration with various government bodies, to enhance public services, promote sustainable tourism, and stimulate local economic growth through job creation.
Times of Oman
09-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Jabal Spring event to be organised as part of the rose picking harvest season
Nizwa: The Heritage and Tourism Department and the SMEs Development Authority in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, in cooperation with Al Saqri Integrated Projects Co. will organise on Thursday Rabie Al Jabal (Jabal Spring ) event as part of the rose picking harvest season in Jabal Akhdar. The event aims to push forward the tourism activity and support the local community. It also aims to offer a unique experience to the visitors and showcase the value of the Omani rose and associated traditional industries. The programme of the event includes field visits to the company and to the rose farms at Saiq, Al Ain, Al Shareejah and Al Aqar areas to acquaint with the stages of growing rose , rose picking and the traditional methods of rose distillation and showcasing the cultural heritage in the Wilayat of Jabal Akhdar. The event also includes the tent of 'entrepreneurs and artists' , heritage souqs, pavilion for honey and Omani coffee and handworks coupled with children entertainment activities. The rose harvest (picking ) season in the Wilayat of Jabal Akhdar kicked off at the beginning of this month. The rose harvest season is one of the key annual events that attract visitors and tourists from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. Sheikh Sulaiman Abdullah Al Kalbani, Deputy Wali of Jabal Akhdar stressed the significance of the event which comes within the continued efforts of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and aims to boost the tourism and agriculture sectors and entrepreneurship. He said that the event also represents a platform and an opportunity for the display of the products of local craftsmen and farmers.
