Nizwa: The Department of Heritage and Tourism in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, in collaboration with the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27, 2024, at the historic Nizwa Fort. The event, held under the global theme 'Tourism and Peace,' aimed to highlight the cultural richness and heritage of the region while promoting peace and mutual understanding through tourism.
The celebration showcased a variety of activities, including vibrant traditional folk arts, horse riding displays, Omani culinary experiences, and folk games. An exhibition of tourist photographs captured the essence of Oman’s scenic beauty, while a dialogue with students from the institute shed light on their personal tourism experiences and their perspectives on Oman’s rich history and culture.
Ahlam bint Hamad al Qasabiyah, Assistant Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department, emphasised that this event forms part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism sector in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. "This celebration not only introduces the cultural and heritage diversity of the governorate but also underscores the significance of tourism in achieving sustainable development. We aim to boost the tourism appeal of the region by attracting visitors who seek cultural immersion and historical exploration."
World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, focuses on fostering global peace through tourism, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, and building bridges between societies. The theme, 'Tourism and Peace,' reflects the role tourism plays in promoting tolerance, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. Al Qasabi noted, "Tourism is a powerful tool to promote values of peace and dialogue, removing barriers and encouraging mutual respect among diverse cultures."
In his keynote address, Ahmed bin Nasser al Abri, Majlis Ash’shura member representing the Wilayat of Nizwa, commended the initiative for celebrating Oman’s heritage and its role in promoting peace through tourism. He emphasised the importance of enhancing the tourism infrastructure to make Oman a leading cultural and sustainable tourism destination in line with Oman Vision 2040.
The event concluded with a call to continue efforts in promoting Oman’s rich cultural heritage on an international stage, positioning the country as a hub for cultural tourism that fosters global peace and understanding. — ONA
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