Latest news with #THRStrategicTourismAdvisors
Muscat Daily
8 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tourism master plan for Jabal Abyad begins
Muscat – A major tourism development initiative is in the pipeline for Jabal Abyad, or White Mountain, in Al Hamra, as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism seeks to unlock the area's untapped potential for sustainable, cultural and nature-based tourism. Spanish consulting firm THR Strategic Tourism Advisors announced that it has begun working on a comprehensive tourism master plan for the region. The firm has been advising tourism-focused organisations worldwide for over four decades. 'We are excited to share that we've officially launched a project to develop a tourism master plan for Jabal Abyad,' the firm posted on LinkedIn. Located in the Dakhliyah governorate, Jabal Abyad lies less than a two-hour drive from Muscat and is known for its dramatic landscapes, rich archaeological heritage, and welcoming communities. As part of the initial fieldwork, the THR team – comprising Javier Gonzalez-Garcia and Maria Vilaplana – visited the site with officials from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and local experts. The visit was aimed at assessing the area's assets and identifying development opportunities in line with sustainable tourism goals. 'Jabal Abyad holds remarkable potential for nature-based and cultural tourism, with its stunning wadis, rich archaeological sites, awe-inspiring caves, and above all, the warm hospitality of its people,' the consultants stated. They emphasised that the visit was a critical first step in shaping a plan that respects both the environment and the local culture. The initiative follows Royal Directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik last year to accelerate the development of Jabal Abyad and Wakan Village. The directive called for the provision of essential infrastructure and supportive conditions to transform these areas into key tourism destinations, particularly for outdoor, camping and adventure travel. The move aligns with Oman's strategy to increase the tourism sector's contribution to GDP, generate local economic value, and create employment opportunities for citizens. The tourism masterplan is expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the area, ensuring long-term benefits.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Tourism master plan for Oman's White Mountain
MUSCAT, JUNE 7 Spanish-based tourism and hospitality industry consulting firm THR Strategic Tourism Advisors has announced that it has been appointed by Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to master plan the development of Jabal Al Abyadh (The White Mountain) into a sustainable tourism attraction. Located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Jabal Al Abyadh is the second highest peak in Oman, reaching an elevation of around 3,000 metres. Unlike other well-known mountain destinations in the governorate, notably Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal Shams, which are connected by modern access to the summit of the White Mountain is only via graded tracks that are off-limits to only but the most skilled motorists. But with Jabal Al Abyadh enjoying almost the same favourable natural and weather-related characteristics as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal Shams – cooler climes, rugged landscapes, campsites and other features suited for adventure tourism – authorities have decided to open up this location to tourism development as well. 'We are excited to share that we've officially launched a project to develop a tourism master plan for Jabal Al Abyadh, also known as Oman's White Mountain,' said THR. The company added in a post that a team from THR, accompanied by representatives from the ministry and local experts, had recently made an initial site visit to 'explore this breathtaking destination, located less than a 2-hour drive from Muscat'. Commenting on the significance of the mountain destination, THR added: Al Abyadh holds remarkable potential for nature-based and cultural tourism, with its stunning wadis, rich archaeological sites, awe-inspiring caves, and above all the warm hospitality of its people. This visit was an essential step in understanding the area's assets and identifying opportunities for sustainable tourism development that honours both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.' According to experts, the toponym 'White Mountain' is a reference to the presence of extensive limestone and ophiolite rock formations in Jabal Al Abyadh. Part of its appeal also stems from the presence of abandoned mountain villages and ancient Aflaj system, underscoring the mountain's historical value. Additionally, pastoral communities on the summit have preferred to live traditional lives as goat-herders while eschewing many of the creature comforts afforded by modern living. THR, which has undertaken over 1100 projects in around 70 countries, specialises in tourism and hospitality industry consulting, destination strategy, marketing and management, resorts and hotels, and tourism development plans.
