MUSCAT, AUG 7
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) launched a forum here on Monday, August 7, 2023, to promote investment in the tourism sector.
The Muscat Exhibition and Forum for Tourism Investment Opportunities, highlighted various potential investment opportunities within the tourism industry, with a focus on real estate, sports, and medical fields.
In her keynote speech, Dr Siham Ahmed al Harthy, Board Member and Head of the Tourism Committee at OCCI, highlighted the importance of transitioning from the concept of tourism promotion to establishing a “comprehensive tourism industry through partnership projects between the public and private sectors.”
According to Al Harthy, the tourism sector contributed to 3 per cent to the local GDP in 2022, with a visitor growth rate of almost 348 per cent in comparison to data from 2021.
Speaking to the Observer, she indicated that the decision to focus on new fields was developed as a strategy to boost year-round tourism in the country.
She explained that the concept of tourism is not limited to relaxation and luxury: but extends to various aspects such as adventure, healthcare, and mediation. And by investing in these new areas and catering to various tourist interests and demands, Oman can overcome limits such as weather conditions to establish year-round tourism.
Various government bodies and entities showcased different investment opportunities..
Sara Hilal al Kharusi, the Sport Sector Lead, at the National Programme for Investment and Exports Development (Nazdaher), presented different sports investment opportunities in association with the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, one of which is a sports medicine centre.
According to Al Kharusi, the concept of the centre emerged as a result of a Sports Investment Lab that highlighted a notable for sport injury treatment centres in the region.
Other opportunities include desert, mountain and sea sports tourism hubs, specialised one stop hubs that will centralise adventure activities—, an integrated adventure city in Jabal Akdhar, multipurpose sport halls, and a women’s club.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism shared that the number of ongoing tourism projects in Oman is anticipated to climb from 2021 to 363 in 2025, with a total investment value of RO 7.49 billion.
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