Latest news with #MinistryOfHeritageAndTourism
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman launches its first tourist hot air balloon project in Turkiye
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has launched its first tourist hot air balloon within the "Oman Balloons" project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Turkiye, as part of the promotional phase of the project. This initiative comes within the efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to develop and diversify the tourism product while strengthening Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. The project aims to attract international expertise in hot air balloon tourism and localize it in Oman, contributing to the growth of tourism experiences and providing new options for both domestic and international tourists. It also aligns with the ministry's support for private sector-led tourism initiatives and enhances public-private partnerships to achieve tourism development goals. "Oman Balloon No. 1" will begin its first flights within the Sultanate of Oman from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, offering a unique experience to explore breathtaking landscapes from the sky, showcasing Oman's diverse tourism attractions. The balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and features a design suitable for Omani weather conditions, with a capacity of up to 20 passengers in addition to the technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is one of the qualitative initiatives supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism due to its active role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This contributes to highlighting Oman's natural and cultural richness from an innovative perspective while attracting a broader segment of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Heritage ministry signs agreement to train national cadres in hotel reception etiquette
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today signed a partnership agreement to finance and implement an employment-linked training programme in the field of hotel reception etiquette. The training programme will be conducted in a number of hotel establishments in the Governorate of Dhofar. The agreement is the outcome of joint efforts to enhance the employment of Omani nationals in the tourism and hospitality sector. The training programme will be implemented in cooperation with Muscat Hospitality Academy as part of partnership with the internationally renowned Swiss Hotel Management School. The agreement constitutes a model for integration between the public and private sectors. It reflects ongoing efforts to support sustainable development in the tourism sector and to contribute to the national economy in the Sultanate of Oman. The agreement was a link in a series of projects being implemented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to support and develop the tourism sector and achieve its vision for building a sustainable tourism sector that contributes to comprehensive development in the Sultanate of Oman.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman engages governorates to reform tourism sector
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, launched a national workshop in Muscat on Monday to address governance challenges in the development of the heritage and tourism sectors. The four-day workshop brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies, and experts in governance, planning and tourism. The event aims to enhance institutional coordination, support decentralisation, and explore sustainable approaches to managing and financing tourism services. It also seeks to improve public-private partnerships, raise institutional efficiency, and contribute to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the workshop has been designed to strengthen coordination between local and national stakeholders and develop governance frameworks that support the economy and promote Omani cultural identity. 'The workshop created a platform to identify challenges, share experiences and formulate practical solutions,' he said. 'Feedback from the governors played a key role in shaping the agenda.' He emphasised the importance of empowering local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and using it to benefit future generations. The workshop would focus on three areas – governance and institutional integration to improve coordination; investment and tourism development governance to enhance the investment environment; and the development of facilities and services to upgrade infrastructure and visitor experiences. Participants are reviewing governance models and attending presentations on the role of governorates, the ministry's responsibilities and mechanisms for implementing decentralisation. Sessions highlight how stronger governance can improve institutional performance and ensure sustainable growth in line with national development goals. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience" programme kicks off in Muscat
Muscat: The "Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience" programme, organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism from 25-28 May commenced on Monday with the participation of a delegation from the Saudi Tourism Authority and several Saudi companies specialising in the tourism sector. The programme aims to showcase Oman's expertise in adventure tourism regulation and facilitate knowledge exchange with Omani companies operating in this field. This initiative falls within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation—particularly in adventure tourism, which is witnessing rapid regional and international growth. Both countries boast diverse natural, geographical, and geological environments, creating an ideal setting for this tourism segment. Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of Product Development and Tourism Experiences at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, emphasised that the programme aligns with the Ministry's efforts to regulate and develop adventure tourism under international standards and frameworks. This supports the goals of "Oman Vision 2040" to diversify and sustain the tourism sector. She noted that the programme offers a platform to highlight licensed Omani companies' experiences, showcase the Ministry's infrastructure and regulatory advancements, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector. She underscored the importance of regional collaboration, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to boost mutual tourism and deliver integrated, enriching experiences for visitors. The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation by the Ministry on Oman's adventure tourism landscape, alongside interactive showcases by leading Omani companies and adventurers. The first day also included a specialised exhibition where Omani firms displayed cutting-edge adventure equipment, emphasising compliance with international safety standards. The programme includes field visits to key tourist destinations, such as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Workshop discusses governance of heritage and tourism development with governorates
Muscat: The national workshop on "Addressing Governance Challenges in Heritage and Tourism Development Management with the Governorates" kicked off on Monday in Muscat. The event brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and supporting entities, as well as a number of experts and specialists in governance, planning, and tourism development. The four-day event aims to enhance institutional integration with the governorates, promote decentralisation in the heritage and tourism sectors, and address governance challenges in these fields. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and several government and private entities, the workshop seeks to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions for improving and financing tourism service facilities. This initiative supports sustainable development goals, enhances institutional efficiency, and strengthens public-private partnerships. Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, stated that the workshop is part of a series of specialised sessions conducted by the ministry to tackle challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. He emphasised the ministry's commitment to fostering institutional integration with its partners and developing effective governance mechanisms that contribute to the national economy and reinforce Oman's cultural identity. Al Busaidi added that the workshop aims to identify existing challenges, exchange insights and expertise, and formulate practical, actionable solutions in partnership with governorates and relevant stakeholders. This ensures tangible developmental impact and aligns with the government's direction toward decentralisation in governorate development. The undersecretary also highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships, empowering local communities to actively participate in tourism development, and preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The workshop focuses on three key pillars; The first pillar is 'Governance and Institutional Integration – Enhancing coordination among stakeholders to ensure effective management and integrated developmental goals.' The second pillar focuses on 'Investment Governance and Tourism Development– Improving the investment climate and supporting tourism sector initiatives to boost attractiveness and sustainable growth opportunities.' Meanwhile, the third pillar revolves around the 'Development of Tourism and Public Service Facilities – Upgrading infrastructure and essential tourism facilities to provide an exceptional visitor experience and support long-term heritage and tourism development plans.' The event featured presentations on the governorates' role in heritage and tourism development, the ministry's mandates related to governorates, governance and decentralization principles, and their positive impact on institutional efficiency. Additionally, models for sustainable tourism governance were discussed to ensure balanced sector growth in line with national objectives. This workshop is part of a series of initiatives by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with strategic partners, under the programme to address challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. The program aims to achieve balanced and comprehensive development across Oman's governorates and fulfill the national goals of Oman Vision 2040.
