Muscat: In the wake of strong inflow of khareef tourists to Dhofar, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is pushing for a campaign to market the southern governorate in GCC and other foreign countries.
Khaled bin Abdullah al Abri, Director-General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said the ministry is preparing to launch a promotional package targeting the GCC and foreign markets to promote Dhofar as an attractive tourist destination, as this year will witness the third edition of the frankincense season. MoHT is also preparing for the Empty Quarter Festival, which will be held in partnership with the relevant government agencies. The Omani Culinary Arts Festival will be held for the first time in September, along with many diverse events, targeting all visitors to the governorate.
Visitors to the Khareef Dhofar 2023 season registered 18.4 per cent growth at 962,000. The number of charter flights in the winter season to Salalah Airport reached 239 direct flights. The hotel occupancy rate in 5 and 4 star hotels exceeded 95 per cent in the winter season.
Al Abri said a tender will be issued to develop the Hiyour Cave in Jabal Samhan, which will add a number of services and facilities. A tender will also be issued to reconstruct two trekking trails for adventure tourism lovers, in addition to completing the signing of a contract for the management, operation and employment of the Mirbat Fort
The Director-General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate said work is under way to issue a tender to set up more facilities in the Land of Frankincense Museum. Another tender will also be issued to set up a market for antiques, gifts, and crafts in Al Baleed Archaeological Park. It will have stalls for small and medium enterprises and Riyada card holders.
Al Abri explained that this year will witness the reopening of Sadah Fort and Rakhyut Fort after restoration in conjunction with World Heritage Day, which falls on April 18 of each year. He said, “the ministry has more than 20 direct and promising investment opportunities in the governorate. It hopes to open a number of hotels with the beginning of the Dhofar 2024 fall season."
The total number of hotel rooms in the governorate by the end of this year is expected to touch 7,000 rooms from 6,000 last year. — ONA
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