Latest news with #MinistryofHeritageandTourism
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.'
Muscat Daily
2 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Ancient tombs unearthed along Oman-UAE railway route
Suhar – An Omani-Italian archaeological team found 28 ancient tombs during an excavation in Suhar along the route of the planned Oman-UAE railway line. The excavation carried out in Sohar Free Zone was jointly conducted by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Sapienza University of Rome as part of a salvage operation aimed at protecting heritage sites potentially affected by the railway connecting Suhar to Abu Dhabi. 'We identified around 28 graves in the route of the railway,' said Francesco Caputo, an archaeologist from Sapienza University. 'One of the tombs contained a substantial collection of human bones. We also recovered a variety of grave goods, including stone and shell beads, bronze rings and bangles, and fragments of ancient glass vessels.' The artefacts provide insight into burial practices and social structures of ancient communities that once inhabited the region, adding to growing evidence of continuous settlement in Oman since prehistoric times. Ismail Salim al Mutrafi, Head of Archaeological Survey Department at the ministry, noted the collaborative nature of the project. 'A large number of ministry staff are actively involved in this excavation, working alongside our Italian counterparts,' he said. 'This effort is not just about discovery – it's about skills transfer and building national capacity in the field of archaeology.' According to the ministry, it is currently working with archaeological teams at 68 sites across the sultanate. Findings contribute to efforts to protect Oman's cultural heritage and support its tourism sector. 'The ministry is committed to protecting archaeological sites and maximising the value of these resources as key elements of our tourism product,' said Mutrafi. 'Findings from excavations like this one help enrich the collections of National Museum and other regional museums under the ministry's umbrella.' He also emphasised the role of such artefacts in promoting international cultural exchange, citing their inclusion in exhibitions abroad. 'This is a reminder that beneath our modern infrastructure lies an ancient world waiting to be rediscovered,' Mutrafi added. 'Each find is a story, a memory and a connection to people who walked this land long before us.'
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
'Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience' programme kicks off
MUSCAT: The "Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience" programme, organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism from May 25-28 commenced 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 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 Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. - ONA
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
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. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi 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.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Workshop seeks to strengthen governance of heritage and tourism
MUSCAT: A national workshop focused on improving the governance of heritage and tourism development with Oman's governorates kicked off on Monday, May 26, in Muscat. The four-day event brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies; and a host of experts in governance, planning and tourism. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit; and other public and private entities, the workshop aims to enhance institutional integration, promote decentralisation and find sustainable solutions to key challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. The effort aligns with broader goals to boost public-private partnerships, empower local communities and raise institutional performance. Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, noted that the initiative is part of a series of specialised workshops designed to address sector-specific challenges. 'Our objective is to develop effective governance mechanisms that not only support the national economy but also strengthen Omani cultural identity,' he said. The workshop focuses on three strategic pillars: 1. Governance and Institutional Integration: Enhancing coordination among entities to achieve unified development goals. 2. Investment and Tourism Development Governance: Improving the investment landscape to unlock growth opportunities. 3. Development of Tourism Facilities and Public Services: Advancing infrastructure and services to improve visitor experience and support long-term planning. Participants will also explore best practices and models for tourism management governance to ensure sustainable resource use and balanced development. Discussions are shaped in part by feedback from governors and high-level officials, emphasising the importance of inclusive, locally driven solutions. The workshop features visual presentations on the role of governorates in tourism development, the Ministry's responsibilities and the benefits of decentralisation. It is part of a broader initiative to support Oman Vision 2040 by fostering integrated development across all governorates. — ONA
