New tourism strategy

MUSCAT — A comprehensive assessment for the tourism sector to identify main challenges that impede investment in this sector began at the Ministry of Tourism. This task has been assigned by the Council of Ministers in March.

Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), Ahmed bin Nasser al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, said that committees have been formed at the ministry to identify and examine difficulties, obstacles and challenges faced by the tourism sector starting with the type of service provided by the ministry and how it deals with the sector, whether it is an individual, investors or services that are provided to tourists.

The committee will also devise solutions for any hindrances, which may not be necessary caused by the ministry, but by bureaucracy or any other reason associated with laws and regulations. He added that the committee is expected to finish the assessment in two months and a report will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. The report will be discussed by the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash’shura.

The minister said after the report was discussed, the focus will shift to the main themes and terms of reference of the strategy for developing and improving the sector in the Sultanate. A reputed and specialised company will be selected to draft the strategy.
He added that there are fundamentals which should be taken into consideration at the beginning of drafting the strategy like a clear-cut vision for tourism in the coming period, type of tourism which matches the essentials of Omani society seen in the nobility and generosity of Omanis which are seen as attracting elements for tourism in the Sultanate.
In addition to these sustainable development will also be given priority. He said a new stage will be initiated after the strategy is drafted, affirming the necessity of banking on the touristic attractions which characterise the Sultanate and utilising them to perfection. — ONA