More hotel rooms in South Sharqiyah to welcome tourists

Muscat: There was a 38 per cent increase in the number of hotel rooms in South Sharqiyah, as the governorate continues to prove itself as a major tourist destination.
The number of hotel rooms in South Sharqiyah in 2017 went up to 1,194, compared to 859 rooms in 2016.
Moreover, the total number of hotels in South Sharqiyah governorate reached 42 in 2017, which is an increase of 27.3 per cent over 33 hotels in 2016.
The valid initial executive approvals in South Sharqiyah governorate till the end of 2017 were for five hotel establishments to add 151 rooms. There was an approval for two hotel apartments to add 21 rooms, five green houses, two guest houses and five camps to add 91 rooms.
The statistics indicated that the projects under implementation in South Sharqiyah in 2017 were four hotels adding 126 rooms and a guest house with six rooms. A hotel with 49 rooms is expected to open up in the next few months.
These facilities are part of the efforts being made by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage the private sector to invest in the tourism sector and hotel facilities. The ministry is issuing tourism licences for the purpose.
Saud bin Hamad Al Alawi, Director of Tourism in South Sharqiyah, said that this governorate is very important because of the diversity it offers tourists, ranging from beaches, deserts, mountains, wadis, as well as historical places such as forts, castles and ancient villages.
“Spots such as Ras Al Hadd and Al Aijah in the wilayat of Sur and Ashkharah are highly regarded. There are coastal areas stretching from the wilayat Jalan Bani Bu Ali to the wilayat of Mahut in Al Wusta governorate and the wilayat of Masirah. There are also famous wadis in the wilayat of Sur such as wadi Al Shaab, wadi Taiwi, wadi Bani Jaber and wadi Al Minqal,” he said.
“Ras Al Hadd is the first place in the entire Arab world where the sun shines. This coastal area is located some 46km away from wilayat Sur. It has an attractive natural environment and a recreational area. It is the biggest green turtle nesting reserve of the region. It has a number of aquatic areas which attract migratory birds, in addition to an exceptional environment which is moderate during both the summer and the winter,” Al Alawi added.
New projects
Al Alawi said: “Ras Al Hadd airport is currently being constructed. It will contribute greatly to the revitalisation of tourism and economic activity. At the entrance of the turtle reserve of Ras Al Hadd, a science centre is also coming up.”
“The tourism development company, Omran, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism has signed a partnership agreement with Qatari company Diar for the project called Diar Ras Al Hadd. The project will comprise resorts, hotels, residential villas, golf courses and Omani heritage markets,” he said.
He added that Ras Al Hadd fort and Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve were other spots worth visiting.