Al Batinah South boosts tourism with new investments, preservation efforts
Published: 04:12 PM,Dec 16,2024 | EDITED : 08:12 PM,Dec 16,2024
Al Batinah South boosts tourism with new investments, preservation efforts
Al RUSTAQ: Al Batinah South Governorate has emerged as a promising destination for tourism investments, owing to its strategic geographical location, robust connectivity with prominent governorates of Oman, and high population density. These attributes contribute significantly to the governorate’s reputation as a flourishing tourist hotspot.
Dr Al Moatasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism, in Al Batinah South Governorate, revealed that 67 usufruct lands have been allocated for tourism investments.
Among these, 18 lands are currently hosting projects, while another 18 are in various procedural stages. The remaining 31 lands are open for investment opportunities and are distributed across the six wilayats of the governorate. Notable projects underway include a tourist camp in the Al Abyadh Sands area and another in the sands of Khabat Al Jaadan.
The governorate boasts 411 historical landmarks, including castles, forts, towers, walls, old neighbourhoods, and mud houses. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) has restored 40 sites to date, such as 3 castles, 7 forts, 9 towers, and 18 historic mosques, alongside a historical wall and a heritage house.
Efforts to enhance heritage-based tourism are evident in partnerships with private entities for site management. Nakhal Fort, Sur, and Burj Al Khamis have been entrusted to specialised companies, with Al Mansour Castle in Al Rustaq recently following suit. Additional opportunities include Barka Fort, Al Awabi Fort, and sites like Al Hazm Castle and Bait Al Numan Castle.
The tourism sector in Al Batinah South saw remarkable growth in 2024, with 28 new facilities added.
These include 19 guest houses, 8 green lodges, and a hotel apartment facility, collectively introducing 95 new rooms and apartments this year. The governorate also supports a vibrant tourism ecosystem with 104 travel agency offices and 64 tour operators actively promoting the governorate’s attractions.
The moderate year-round weather in certain areas of Al Batinah South enhances its appeal for sustainable tourism projects. Key destinations benefiting from this climate include Balad Sait village, and Jabal Dhawi in Wadi Al Sahtan in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, the villages of Wakan and Hadash in the Wilayat of Nakhal.
Al Batinah South’s natural beauty, coupled with its growing investment opportunities and commitment to heritage preservation, solidifies its position as a dynamic player in Oman’s tourism landscape.
The blend of historical richness, modern facilities, and sustainable tourism projects makes it a compelling destination for investors and visitors alike. — ONA
Dr Al Moatasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism, in Al Batinah South Governorate, revealed that 67 usufruct lands have been allocated for tourism investments.
Among these, 18 lands are currently hosting projects, while another 18 are in various procedural stages. The remaining 31 lands are open for investment opportunities and are distributed across the six wilayats of the governorate. Notable projects underway include a tourist camp in the Al Abyadh Sands area and another in the sands of Khabat Al Jaadan.
The governorate boasts 411 historical landmarks, including castles, forts, towers, walls, old neighbourhoods, and mud houses. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) has restored 40 sites to date, such as 3 castles, 7 forts, 9 towers, and 18 historic mosques, alongside a historical wall and a heritage house.
Efforts to enhance heritage-based tourism are evident in partnerships with private entities for site management. Nakhal Fort, Sur, and Burj Al Khamis have been entrusted to specialised companies, with Al Mansour Castle in Al Rustaq recently following suit. Additional opportunities include Barka Fort, Al Awabi Fort, and sites like Al Hazm Castle and Bait Al Numan Castle.
The tourism sector in Al Batinah South saw remarkable growth in 2024, with 28 new facilities added.
These include 19 guest houses, 8 green lodges, and a hotel apartment facility, collectively introducing 95 new rooms and apartments this year. The governorate also supports a vibrant tourism ecosystem with 104 travel agency offices and 64 tour operators actively promoting the governorate’s attractions.
The moderate year-round weather in certain areas of Al Batinah South enhances its appeal for sustainable tourism projects. Key destinations benefiting from this climate include Balad Sait village, and Jabal Dhawi in Wadi Al Sahtan in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, the villages of Wakan and Hadash in the Wilayat of Nakhal.
Al Batinah South’s natural beauty, coupled with its growing investment opportunities and commitment to heritage preservation, solidifies its position as a dynamic player in Oman’s tourism landscape.
The blend of historical richness, modern facilities, and sustainable tourism projects makes it a compelling destination for investors and visitors alike. — ONA