Latest news with #sustainable tourism
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Al Manakhir Village: A sustainable tourism destination in Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Al Jabal Al Akhdar: Nestled in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate's Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Al Manakhir village has emerged as a premier sustainable tourism destination, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse terrain that attract nature enthusiasts and travellers alike. The village is surrounded by indigenous flora including ancient trees such as wild olive (Al Utum), wild berries (Al Boot) and Al'alan tree (Juniperus Excelsa). Local residents maintain traditional agricultural practices, cultivating pomegranates, peaches, apricots, olives, and walnuts alongside livestock rearing - activities that collectively form the economic backbone of the community. Strategically located in the eastern part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Al Manakhir holds the distinction of being the first village in the region to greet the sunrise and the primary destination for visitors arriving via the Birkat Al Mouz - Al Jabal Al Akhdar route. Ahmed bin Hamad Al Nabhani, Municipal Council representative for Al Jabal Al Akhdar, highlighted the village's rich historical and cultural heritage: "Al Manakhir boasts seven mosques, including the architecturally significant Al Bilad Mosque that reflects the village's religious identity. Notable landmarks include the restored Al Ghaba Tower in 2010 and Mitrah Boukbeer - the area's largest seasonal waterfall during wadi flows.' Al Nabhani told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Al Manakhir connects to multiple villages across A'Dakhiliyah and South Al Batinah governorates through established trails including Wadi Mistal in Nakhal, Wadi Halfin to Samail, Wadi Bani Kharus to Al Awabi, and Imti village to Izki. These routes, marked with directional signage by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, have become popular for hiking and mountaineering while facilitating discovery of the area's historical sites. Mahmoud bin Salim Al Toubi, a village resident, emphasized Al Manakhir's year-round agricultural appeal: "The village has become a sustainable tourism magnet through its harvest seasons - roses, pomegranates, olives, grapes, peaches and walnuts - complemented by agricultural trails offering adventurous exploration of mountainous terrain and historical landmarks.' He added that the village's ancient irrigation systems form another attraction, with notable aflaj (ancient irrigation system or water channels) including Al Manakhir Falaj, Ain Al Biban, Ain Al Rassa, Kour Al Madhaf, Wadi Al Rumana Dam, and Al Biban Dam sustaining the agricultural landscape. These traditional water management systems demonstrate centuries-old Omani hydraulic engineering while supporting the village's agro-tourism offerings. Tourism officials note that Al Manakhir's combination of natural assets, cultural heritage, and sustainable agricultural practices positions it as a model for community-based tourism development in Oman's mountainous regions. The village continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences amid spectacular highland scenery.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Shaikha Al Nowais meets with Chinese Ambassador to strengthen tourism collaboration and global partnerships for resilient tourism
Abu Dhabi - Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, met with His Excellency Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, in Abu Dhabi. The meeting focused on advancing collaboration in the tourism sector and explored opportunities to forge partnerships that foster cultural and tourism initiatives supporting knowledge exchange and economic development in tourism and related sectors. Her Excellency Shaikha Al Nowais reaffirmed her commitment to working with global partners, particularly China, to develop strategic projects in sustainable and cultural tourism. She noted that China's dynamic tourism industry is a key driver of tourism and cultural exchange, as well as the growth of global tourism markets. H.E. said: 'We value China's continuing efforts to drive tourism and promote partnerships in this field. We look forward to expanding collaboration in the areas of education, training, and tourism innovation through launching training programmes globally to elevate the preparedness of the tourism workforce, enrich cultural tourism experiences, and support rural community development through sustainable tourism.' During the meeting, both sides discussed several priority areas of mutual interest, including initiatives to empower local communities and opportunities to leverage China's expertise and resources. They also explored ways to enhance tourism mobility across countries and regions through bilateral and multilateral collaboration, aligned with the United Nations' global tourism frameworks. Both parties affirmed the importance of aligning international efforts to strengthen tourism's role as a bridge between people and cultures, and as a catalyst for sustainable development and youth empowerment. They emphasized the need for renewed policies that embrace diversity, foster innovation, and ensure the sustainable use of resources. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Tel: +971 4 4562888 Email: media@
Arab News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Qatar to strengthen tourism partnership with Jordan, delegation visits Amman Citadel
LONDON: Saad Al-Kharji, the chairperson of Qatar Tourism, visited the historical site of Amman Citadel, accompanied by the Jordanian minister of tourism and antiquities, Lina Annab, as officials from the two countries met to discuss enhanced cooperation in the tourism sector. The Qatari delegation toured several key landmarks on Wednesday and learned about Jordan's rich cultural history as part of a visit described as an essential step as officials work to develop joint promotional campaigns and share expertise in the marketing of sustainable tourism, the Jordan News Agency reported. The Jordanian ministry said the diverse tourism options in Jordan and Qatar provide the foundations for fostering a partnership that can enrich visitor experiences and attract foreign travelers. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Jordan reported an 11.9 percent increase in tourism revenues to $3.67 billion during the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year. This was despite a previously reported decline of more than 75 percent in the number of foreign visitors to Petra, the country's main tourist attraction, in June compared with the same month in recent years due to the ongoing war in Gaza and the conflict between Iran and Israel.
CNN
17-07-2025
- CNN
Bordeaux Tourism Bureau President on Sustainable Tourism
"What we do for the people living in Bordeaux is attractive to the tourists." Bordeaux Tourism Bureau President Brigitte Bloch on sustainable tourism.
