Tourism on the rise in Al Dhahirah Governorate

Muscat: Since the start of the 2023 Dhofar Khareef season, the Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate has been witnessing tourist arrivals and commercial movements from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Since the Wilayat of Ibri overlooks the Empty Quarter border crossing which connects the Sultanate of Oman with Saudi Arabia, for visitors coming from the Hafeet port in Al Buraimi Governorate, Al Dhahirah Governorate becomes their resting point before onwards journey to the Dhofar Governorate.

The commercial movement in the Wilayat of Ibri is witnessing a remarkable rise from the Gulf, especially in the hotel sector, as many visitors take rest in the Wilayat of Ibri on their way to the Dhofar Governorate, which is about 900 kilometres away from the Al Dhahirah Governorate.

Ali bin Khamis Al-Sudairi, Assistant Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in Al-Dhahirah Governorate, pointed to the increased activity of hotels and hotel establishments in the governorate, explaining that the average occupancy rate in hotels in the region ranged between 60 to 85 percent during July, which indicates the recovery of tourism sector.

He added that a number of government institutions in Al Dhahirah Governorate seek to facilitate the movement of tourists to Dhofar Governorate by providing information and guidance about tourist sites that they may wish to visit in Al Dhahirah Governorate, in addition to a map of tourist sites through the Tourist Information Centre set up by the Department. Heritage and Tourism in Al Dhahirah Governorate.

The government units also give support to civil teams in the Wilayat of Ibri. The Ibri Charity Team participates in providing necessary support and roadside assistance to visitors whose vehicles may break down during their trip to the Dhofar Governorate. To facilitate the movement of tourists through Al-Dhahirah Governorate, the institutional and civil society cooperate for the convenience of tourists.