Focus on sustainability during World Tourism Day events in Oman

Muscat: To raise awareness on the importance of tourism, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is celebrating World Tourism Day, based on the theme “Sustainable Tourism — A Tool for Development.”
In pictures: Oman's celebrates World Tourism Day
Tourism Day is celebrated around the world on September 27, which is the day on which the statutes of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) entered into force in 1970.
Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrazi, Minister of Tourism said: “By celebrating World Tourism Day, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and preservation of our environmental and cultural components, in order to foster and sustain the sector’s future development.
Environment preservation
“This year’s theme ‘Sustainable Tourism - A Tool for Development’ encourages the development of the tourism sector while taking into consideration the preservation of environmental and cultural aspects. That’s not all, it also fosters the development of human resources which is one of the most crucial factors in achieving sustainability.”
He elaborated, “The Ministry of Tourism is making tremendous efforts to enhance Oman’s tourism offerings, vis-à-vis the development of tourism activities and infrastructure.
“At the same time, we are keen on preserving our heritage and environmental, cultural and historic resources, as well as our traditions and values. We are joining efforts with the private sector to achieve our goals, and would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for all those working in the tourism sector, as well as our partners.”
Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism said: “On the occasion of World Tourism Day, we would like to thank the UNWTO for the continuous efforts it has made since its inception to reinforce the role of tourism as a vital sector in economies throughout the world.
“The Ministry of Tourism has put into action a comprehensive study to evaluate tourism attractions, their demand, capacity, and has also included sustainable tourism aspects to ensure their upkeep.
“We are keen to attract international investors to the Sultanate and are continuously coordinating with the UNWTO to sustain the development of the tourism sector; and are also working with international environment experts and specialists to ensure the preservation of our environmental and cultural components.
“We would like to express our appreciation for those working in the tourism industry and wish them the best in their respective fields.”
MoT is celebrating World Tourism Day by hosting a ceremony that will include several activities, which will help raise awareness about the importance of the sector among local communities, and bring to light the efforts made by its partners, the public and private sector, SMEs, and other who will be a part of a special exhibition that will be held at the Ministry to mark the day.
Salim Adi Al Mamari, director general for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, said: “World Tourism Day has become an ideal promotional platform, with different communications channels being used to shed light on a variety of issues related to the tourism sector. Through this occasion, we aim to raise awareness on the importance of the tourism industry, its social and cultural values, as well as find solutions to overcome the challenges standing in the way of sustainability.”