Tuesday 11 / February / 2025
Muscat: Oman’s tourism push will continue unabated this year, with four major projects earmarked for major development.
The move comes as the country looks to grow its domestic tourism segment, and the four areas targeted are Wadi Bani Khalid, Al Ashkarah beach, Sahoor cave in Salalah, and the Ansab wetlands in Muscat.
The four areas were selected by the Implementation, Support and Follow up Unit (ISFU), the government organisation that oversees the progress of the nation’s Tanfeedh programme for economic diversification, and the tourist hotspots were identified in the ISFU’s annual report.
Tanfeedh is pushing tourism as one of the key areas for growth, as the Sultanate looks to expand its revenue base from oil and gas-based traditional sources of income. The other areas of expansion are manufacturing, transport and logistics, agriculture and fisheries, and mining and energy.
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Domestic tourism
“Stemming from the importance of developing domestic tourism in enhancing local experiences, and its contribution to increase the national economy, this initiative was added in 2018 to provide services, activities and projects which satisfy the needs of local travellers and enhance their domestic experiences,” said the report.
“The focus for 2019 will be on introducing model developments of key projects that contribute to enhancing the visitor experience,” it added. “These projects will be developed and executed in collaboration with key stakeholders. The working group will also focus on a regional spread of wide array of attractions, leisure facilities and services in key destinations.”
Several ministries are involved in the development of these areas, including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In addition, Muscat Municipality and OMRAN, Oman’s Tourism and Development Company, will also play an active role.
In this context, Vijay Handa, who will oversee the operations of new brand of hotels called Atana Stay at Al Ashkarah and Salalah, said: “We are working on developing a new brand of hotels called Atana Stay to boost tourism in the country and also to promote Omani culture and regional cuisines.”
Nabil Al Hasani is a tour guide who takes visitors to see what Oman has to offer. Some of his more popular travel requests include trips to Wadi Bani Khalid in the daytime, and Al Askharah in the evenings.
“Wadi Bani Khalid is a really beautiful place,” he said. “There is a lot of greenery there, and plenty of water, and that is what the people really love. When the tourists go there, they enjoy swimming in the water, and the little children really enjoy playing there. There are also old villages there, and so if you want to see the older side of Oman, it is a nice place to go. In the evenings, Al Ashkarah is really popular, both with the locals and foreigners. Many of them will go there for fishing with the families, and they will often go with their friends for a picnic. It is a nice place to drive to from Muscat for the evening.”
Al Ansab Wetland is home to about 293 species of migratory birds that are present during different times of the year. Birds such as the black-winged stilt are residents in the wetlands throughout the year, while eagles tend to arrive in November and winter in the Sultanate. Al Ansab Wetland is also a hotspot for several species of plants, butterflies and other flora and fauna.
“Al Ansab Wetland is not very well known, but there are many animals there,” added Al Hasani. “If you come in the evening, especially between five and seven pm, then you will see many animals and birds there because it is cooler and they enjoy the wetlands,” added Al Hasani. “Right now, Salalah is hot, but wait and see how it changes in two months’ time, because then the Khareef season will start. Many people will want to explore the mountains and caves nearby and Sahoor cave will be one of them.”
Tourists too had fond memories of visiting these parts of the country. “Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most beautiful wadis of the Sultanate of Oman, with the pool full of fresh, emerald-green water,” said Cecilia G, a tourist. “In the hot months, it is heaven when you can run away from the scorching heat and plunge into fresh water to soothe your body. There is plenty of room for a picnic under the palms. The local people are very friendly and kind. A real pleasure to be there.” Sharing his experience on the Ansab wetlands, British national David H said, “We spent a few days with our son in Muscat, and he booked a trip around Al Ansab for us. What a couple of hours! We were met on our arrival by a charming and very knowledgeable lady who drove us around the area and showed us a lot of birds. I am an experienced birder, but she left me standing! In a little under two hours we saw 57 different species, 13 of which were new to me. I can recommend this reserve wholeheartedly, and look forward to my next visit.”
Tour organisers in Oman were also looking forward to how this would help improve the quality and range of tourism and leisure opportunities provided to not just citizens and residents, but tourists in the country as well.
Shamveel Baig, operations manager at Travel Point, said: “Coming up with many opportunities and activities would really help boost tourism. We do have a lot of new tourists coming in who prefer more natural tourism opportunities. Oman is really opening up a lot, so we look forward to having more visitors coming in.
Most of the visitors who travel often have loved Oman, from the nature, the people and politeness to the hospitality, so they do remember Oman as a preferred destination to recommend to others.”
