New phase of tourism development in Oman

By Hamoud al Mahrazi — MUSCAT — Ahmed bin Nasser al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, has said that the tourism sector in the Sultanate will enter a new phase of development in which the government will be the main operator in developing areas by undertaking core projects to attract tourists, while the private sector will be encouraged to carry out complementary projects.

In an interview to Oman, Arabic sister daily of the Observer, the minister said that the development of the sector will be made in accordance with a long-term strategy to be drafted with the assistance of a house of expertise. He noted that the strategy will provide a clear vision that will reflect the special nature of the Omani society and avoid the import of undesirable models.

As part of the strategy, more emphasis will be laid on domestic tourism, said the minister, noting that family-oriented tourism, which is not yet fully optimised, can occupy a central space in this type of tourism. The minister called upon tourism establishments to tap the resources of ‘smart management’ and avoid depending on ‘narrow-minded entertainment’ as this will aim at mere profitability and eventually lead to failure.

The minister also urged investors to stick to the agreed projects before the ministry takes back the land plots. He vowed that his ministry will adopt full transparency and welcome all proposals that will serve the general interest.