The Sultanate of Oman was ranked as seventh best tourist destination in the world; given its ecological richness, biodiversity and unique reserves, according to the "Lonely Planet" index - the world's largest travel guide and reference.
Until the end of August 2021, the number of visitors coming to the Sultanate of Oman reached 170,000, while the number of departing visitors stood at 825,000. The statistics showed that the number of hotel guests (3-5 star) stood at 723,000.
Oman Vision 2040 depends on many goals in the tourism sector, which are to attract investment, financial sustainability and contribution of sectors that aim for economic diversification in the labour market.
Although the pandemic and the existing financial situation affected the path of many tourism projects in addition to the financing aspect, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism works to provide financing programmes, incentives and legislative procedures to support small and medium enterprises.
Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, indicated, in a previous meeting, that 'Al Sharq' project in the Blue City is expected to open in 2024, where all the main ingredients for recreational tourism will be provided. In addition to the 'Nakheel Resort' project, another project in the Wilayat of Qurayat is planned to attract recreational tourism, besides focusing on marine tourism.
The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that it is necessary to develop the infrastructure of domestic tourism and provide quality services and options. For this, the minister confirmed that there are projects in the next tourist season in the Governorate of Dhofar, including a service facility on the Aten-Hamrir Plain, as well as in Al Mughsayl and Darbat. In Musandam, the zip line project will be inaugurated soon. There is a plan to hold a festival for maritime heritage in the Wilayat of Sur.
The minister announced that the sites registered in the World Heritage List will be put up as part of tenders to establish a visitor centre in Dibba, Qalhat and Bat, so that there will be total services and provide information to the visitors.
The law on tourism will be also revealed soon, as new executive regulations of the law will take into account the requirements of operational and development plans in Oman Vision 2040.
According to officials, adventure tourism is one of the advantages that is unique to the Sultanate of Oman due to the diversified and different terrain, taking into account the aspect of security, safety and readiness. For that, the ministry has finished setting up guidelines and special controls for some adventure tourism practices.
The next stage will be with the start of the recovery plan that will be implemented to restore the Omani tourism sector in foreign markets such as European countries. Expansion will take place in new markets through different techniques, while creating a tangible presence through well-known travel and tourism offices, conference tourism and incentives.
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