Latest news with #HESalimbinMohammedalMahrouqi
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tourism revenue contributes RO2.12bn to Oman economy
Muscat – Oman's tourism sector contributed RO2.12bn to the national economy in 2024, up from RO1.75bn in 2018, marking a growth of 21%, according to new data from National Centre for Statistics and Information. The sector's contribution to the GDP rose to RO2.7bn, up from RO2.3bn in 2018, highlighting tourism's growing role in the sultanate's economic diversification drive. Total tourism consumption increased to RO1.02bn in 2024, compared to RO960mn in 2018, while direct value added from tourism rose 36.4% to RO1.09bn, compared to RO799.7mn in 2018. 'This demonstrates the strong interconnectedness between tourism and other economic sectors, such as transport, hospitality, retail and culture,' the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism stated. Oman welcomed around 3.8mn visitors during the year. Of these, 68.2% were overnight visitors while 31.8% were same-day travellers. Total visitor spending reached RO989mn, with per capita expenditure averaging RO253.8. The average length of stay was between five to six nights, accounting for 14.8mn tourist nights. More than half the visitors were from the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the importance of the Gulf market. European travellers made up 16% of the total and 13.2% came from Asian countries, indicating the effectiveness of the ministry's overseas campaigns and partnerships. Leisure tourism accounted for 70.2% of visits, followed by visits to family and friends – 17.9% – and shopping – 5%. H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said the improved figures reflect ongoing government support for economic diversification, stronger public-private collaboration, and targeted efforts to position Oman as a leading destination in the region. He noted the ministry's focus on expanding tourism products, enhancing service quality and developing infrastructure in key governorates. Hotel demand rose in governorates such as Dhofar, Musandam and Dakhliyah, spurring investor interest and reinforcing the role of tourism in regional development. Ongoing projects and partnerships are expected to further increase accommodation capacity and service quality. The minister also stressed the importance of integrating local communities in tourism initiatives and raising the share of Omanis in the workforce. Meanwhile, 8.1mn outbound travellers from Oman spent RO1.8bn abroad in 2024, with average per capita spending at RO218.5. 'The figure signals growing domestic purchasing power and the potential to develop internal tourism offers to retain more spending within the country,' the ministry added.
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO3mn pact to build visitor centre in Qalhat
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed an agreement on Monday worth RO3mn with Oman LNG Development Foundation to finance the establishment of a visitor centre at the ancient city of Qalhat. The initiative forms part of the ministry's strategy to develop and promote Unesco World Heritage sites across the sultanate. To be constructed on a 5,000sqm site, the centre will feature two museum halls to showcase archaeological finds, along with administrative offices, a gift shop, café, outdoor event space, internal walkways linking the centre to the heritage site, shaded seating areas and parking facilities. The agreement was signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr Amer bin Nasser al Matani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation. Located in South Sharqiyah, Qalhat is one of Oman's oldest known cities and maritime hubs. Strategically located overlooking the Sea of Oman, its port once served as an important hub in ancient trade routes connecting India, Yemen and other parts of the world. The city was also a key centre for exporting Arabian horses. Commenting on the agreement, Khalifa al Farsi, Director of the Ancient City of Qalhat Department, described the visitor centre as a major addition to both Qalhat and Sur. Qalhat was officially inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2018, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.
Muscat Daily
31-05-2025
- 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
25-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO56mn for Wadi Shab development, ITCs in Nakhal and Khasab
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct agreements valued at RO56mn to develop two integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) and transform Wadi Shab into a year-round destination for nature and adventure tourism. This is in line with efforts to diversify the economy and boost the tourism sector. The projects are located in three governorates. The agreements were signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, at a ceremony on Sunday. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group worth RO2mn, is for development of Wadi Shab in Tiwi, wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah. The site will be transformed into an eco-tourism destination, featuring a zip line, mountain trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas and dining facilities. 'Wadi Shab is a site of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity, known for its clear waters, caves and waterfalls,' H E Mahrouqi said. 'This project will promote environmental sustainability while offering unique recreational experiences.' The second agreement is for development of the Sandan – Pearl of Khasab tourism complex in Musandam. Built on a 43,658sqm site near Khasab Fort and Atana Musandam Hotel, it will include a 200-room four-star hotel, 450 residential units for Omanis and foreign nationals, a traditional market, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. The third agreement is for the Halban Gardens complex in wilayat of Nakhal in South Batinah. Spread over 201,031sqm, the project will feature a four-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including villas and apartments, a market, water park, restaurants and recreational amenities. In a statement, the ministry said the agreements reflect the government's strategy to promote sustainable tourism and attract investment to key regions. The projects support Oman Vision 2040 objectives to position tourism as a key non-oil economic sector while preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage.
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Manah hosts global museum conference to boost Oman tourism
Manah – The Oman Across Ages Museum, in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, inaugurated the international conference 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development' on Sunday at its premises in Manah, Dakhliyah. Held under the patronage of H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference has brought together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. The event aims to highlight the role of museums in driving tourism, preserving cultural identity, and fostering investment in the cultural economy. It also seeks to explore how academic partnerships and digital technologies can enhance the visitor experience and position museums as vibrant educational and cultural hubs. Dr Hamad bin Mohammed al Dhuyani, Chairman of NRAA, said the conference aims to establish strategic partnerships between public and private institutions in Oman's museum sector. 'This event promotes international collaboration through peer-reviewed scientific papers and paves the way for future conferences that will highlight integrated work across the cultural, scientific, and intellectual domains,' he said. An exhibition showcasing the role of Omani museum institutions is also being held alongside the conference. Eng Al Yaqzan bin Abdullah al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, noted that museums today are key players in sustainable development. 'They serve as mirrors of national identity, promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute significantly to the creative economy by making history an immersive and interactive experience,' he said. The conference features six specialised workshops covering critical topics, including digital technologies, museum management, community engagement, and the development of cultural content. These sessions aim to facilitate both intellectual exchange and practical learning. The agenda addresses several key themes, including the role of museums in tourism, the impact of archaeological missions, legislation protecting national heritage, and the involvement of international organisations. Discussions will also focus on how museums contribute to economic growth, resource management, tourism promotion, and sustainable investment. Additionally, the conference will explore the cultural and educational functions of museums, their collaboration with educational institutions and support for scientific research.
