Latest news with #MinistryOfHeritage
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Plan devised for diverse projects in recreational tourism sectors
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing an ambitious plan in 2025 to diversify tourism sectors and enhance recreational offerings through a series of high-quality projects. These initiatives, coordinated with the governors' offices across Oman's various governorates, fall under the broader framework of the comprehensive tourism development plan. They aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand the range of experiences available to visitors. The ministry highlighted some of the most prominent projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project. Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these projects align with the objectives outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan. They seek to enhance the quality of tourism offerings, boost competitiveness, and provide unique opportunities and experiences across various destinations, she explained. She added that these efforts support increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, attract local and foreign investments to Oman, and offer exceptional experiences for domestic, regional, and international tourists while appealing to diverse demographic groups. She affirmed that the ministry continues to promote cultural tourism as a cornerstone for diversifying the tourism product and reinforcing national identity. The ministry launched the 'Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" program, which includes multiple initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing dedicated culinary tourism routes. These routes feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience. Al Ghassani lauded the pivotal role of Omani museums in showcasing history, culture, and living heritage. The ministry, she said, is enhancing museum content through interactive digital displays, allowing visitors to engage deeply with Oman's rich civilization. Museums serve as both educational and tourism institutions, blending physical exhibits with modern technology to present historical narratives in an engaging manner. She noted that statistics indicate significant growth in heritage site visitors. For instance, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate—home to landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle—welcomed over 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This surge, she explained, is attributed to the development of heritage neighborhoods, improved services, and diversified tourism experiences.
Times of Oman
24-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Workshop to address challenges facing tourism sector
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the Oman 2040 Vision Implementation Follow-up Unit and a number of government and private entities, will organise a national workshop in Muscat on Monday. Titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates", the four-day workshop aims to enhance institutional integration with governorates, achieve decentralisation in the heritage and tourism sector and address the challenges facing the governance of these two sectors. The workshop also aims to find comprehensive and sustainable solutions for the development and financing of service and tourism facilities, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, raising the efficiency of institutional performance, and activating public-private partnerships. The workshop will address a number of vital aspects that fall within four main pillars: governance and institutional integration, investment and tourism development governance, public tourism and service facilities, and two pillars of general enablers related to employment, localisation, legislation, capacity building, common performance indicators, statistics and data, tourism promotion, and media communication. Representatives from 11 governorates, along with 17 other relevant entities, will participate in the session, along with a number of experts and specialists in the fields of governance, planning, and tourism development. This session is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the Ministry in cooperation with strategic partners as part of a programme to address the challenges facing the heritage and tourism sectors, with the aim of achieving balanced and comprehensive development across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates and fulfilling the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Oman showcases cultural and tourism diversity at Expo Osaka
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on Wednesday organised a specialised event to showcase the Sultanate of Oman's rich heritage and diverse cultural and tourism offerings, as part of its participation in Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan. The one-day event, held at the Festival Station Hall within the expo site, was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the General Commission of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. The programme featured cultural performances, interactive activities and dedicated booths, offering visitors a glimpse into Oman's historical depth and tourism potential. The event aimed to introduce and promote Oman's unique identity on the international stage. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Oman's cultural, heritage, and tourism diversity showcased at Expo Osaka 2025
Osaka: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on Wednesday organised a specialized event highlighting Oman's diverse cultural, heritage, and tourism offerings as part of the accompanying activities for the Sultanate of Oman's participation in Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan. The event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, along with the General Commission of Oman Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. The one-day event took place at the "Festival Plaza Station" hall in Expo Osaka 2025 and featured a variety of specialised displays, activities, and corners showcasing Oman's rich cultural, heritage, and tourism diversity. The initiative aimed to introduce, promote, and spotlight Oman's unique attractions.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Bandar Al Khairan targeted for sustainable tourism
MUSCAT: Well-known Omani design and architectural consultancy firm Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S) has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for advisory services linked to the development of Bandar Al-Khairan, a pristine coastal haven of Muscat Governorate, into an eco-tourism area. Located off the blacktop to Yiti, a major destination for real estate, tourism and hospitality investment, Bandar Al Khairan has already been designated a general ecotourism area vide Royal Decree 45/2007, conferring upon this natural sanctuary a high degree of environmental protection. Given its proximity to the capital city, Bandar Al Khairan attracts tourists, picnickers and weekenders eager for a day out amid its tranquil settings with its distinctive mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, secluded covers and serene waters. From the ecological standpoint, Bandar Al Khairan is also known for its rich biodiversity, reflected in its extensive coral reefs and marine habitats. Furthermore, as a carbon sink in its own right, conserving this sanctuary is also imperative to Oman's climate mitigation objectives. Of late, however, with major upscale resort and hospitality developments coming up in the vicinity of this sanctuary, Hoehler + alSalmy has been tapped by Oman's authorities to ensure Bandar Al Khairan's development is in accordance with sustainable guidelines and regulations. 'As part of this project, we will be leading the planning, research, and analysis to ensure the best possible outcome — designing a sustainable framework that enhances and protects the unique environment of Bandar Al-Khairan, a designated protected area,' the sustainability-focused architectural firm noted in a post. 'This project is a major step toward enhancing sustainable tourism in one of Oman's most beautiful natural environments. We are truly honoured to play a role in shaping a destination that reflects Oman's ecological and cultural richness,' the company further added. Already, parts of Bandar Al Khairan ocean-facing waterfront are being transformed into high-end resort developments designed and built based on sustainable standards. Notable is Bandar Al Khairan Resort & Spa, a lavish development promoted by Musstir, the hospitality arm of MB Group, with an investment of RO 36 million. According to Bangkok-based boutique hotel chain Minor Hotels, the property will be operated by Anantara and feature 51 guest rooms, 46 chalets and 24 villas. The property is due to launch in 2026. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
