Private management of historic sites to boost income, job opportunities in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has assigned the management and operation of many historic sites to local companies.

Zayana bint Muhammad Al-Harrasiyah, Head of the Rehabilitation and Development Department for Historic Sites at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The companies and establishments which are operating heritage sites seek to improve tourism experiences by enriching visitors cognitively and strengthening the attractions of the tourism site.”

She clarified that this sector enriches tourism through projects of local value benefiting the local community by providing direct and indirect job opportunities and empowering the private sector, small and medium enterprises. It also creates marketing outlets for craftsmen, by organising events throughout the year, and involving artists in all fields that are related to their specialties.

The head of the Department of Rehabilitation and Development of Historic Sites added: “Managing and harnessing the advantages of heritage sites will contribute to maximising tourism benefits from monuments economically, socially and culturally, as well as strengthen the cultural interaction of the local community surrounding the monument. The revival of these sites is considered as their preservation efforts, preventing them against extinction and neglect, as well as ensuring their sustainability.”

“In addition to providing incentives to the local companies and enterprises including a grace period of three years for renting, there are a number of standards, criteria and requirements that the investors of cultural heritage sites must adhere to, including the consideration of the cultural heritage site as a symbol of historic significance that must be preserved, she said, adding that the permits and licences within the concerned governorate must be obtained within deadlines from the competent authorities such as the municipality, the Royal Oman Police and other competent authorities.

She stressed that the investors must review all the details through the relevant department of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

Zayana Al-Harrasiya clarified that the Ministry is exerting efforts to ensure the optimal operation of the sites through periodic follow-up by specialists from the Ministry to ensure the implementation of work in accordance with the agreed upon plan and the vision presented by the company.

Mohammad bin Ahmed bin Sawakhroun, an investor in (Al-Askar Tower) in the Governorate of Dhofar, said: “The experience of investing in heritage sites is unique because of their special character. Though we have faced some challenges in the beginning, including scarcity of information about the site, since it is the first project to be invested in a historic building in the Governorate of Dhofar, but in general it is a unique experience .”

He pointed out this investment will provide new job opportunities for young cadres, lead to the establishment of a craft village for 15 craftswomen, and the revitalisation of tourism activity in the Wilayat of Taqah.

He added that he is working to invest in these sites to preserve and sustain them through periodic maintenance and revitalisation work, while preserving the authenticity and heritage of the site.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism provided them with a number of facilities and incentives, including offering a grace period for rent, hosting social media influencers, and meeting all our needs.

Abdullah bin Mohammad Al-Harthi, a partner and founder of the company investing in Jabreen Castle in the Wilayat of Bahla, said: “It’s a wonderful investment experience, as it is one of the first companies to sign a contract to invest in historic sites directly with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.”

He added that improvements have been made for visitors with many amenities, such as maintenance, enhancing security and safety, and employing expertise to make the landmark visible in an ideal way.

He also clarified that development plans have been set to improve the site capabilities and the local community has been involved that contributes to make the site sustainable.

He pointed out that sustainability includes continuous maintenance in accordance with the environment, such as using appropriate tools and devices and partnering with supervisory and private entities to gain good results.