Ministry offers five tourist sites to private investors

Muscat: Five tourism sites in four governorates have been earmarked for investment by local companies, the Ministry of Tourism has announced, as part of the government’s efforts to develop the Omani tourism sector and reach the targeted 11 million tourists by 2040
The initiative also complements the efforts made by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage local companies to be involved in the implementation of Oman Tourism Strategy 2040 in order to promote and benefit from the huge potential of tourism resources in each governorate .
An online statement said, “Ministry of Tourism announces to companies, institutions and individuals wishing to invest in the ministry’s land in the tourist sites, to establish tourist services and facilities. A guided document can be obtained from the tourist sites mentioned by visiting the electronic link: https://bit.ly/2CmDRpK.”
The four tourist sites proposed for investment are Wadi Bani Khalid in North Sharqiyah governorate [investing in water ponds], Al Ashkarah beach in the wilayat of Bani Bu Ali in South Sharqiyah [investing in water ponds], Sahoor Cave in Salalah, Al Katan Cave in the wilayat of Ibri and Harat Al Ramil in Ibri.
Interested parties should visit the Ministry of Tourism building in Khuwair for more details. The last date for receiving bids is June 20, 2019.
Earlier this year, Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrazi, Minister of Tourism, pointed out that the tourism sector has witnessed consistent growth that was never below 6 per cent as per the strategy set for the sector. “The investment required for implementing Oman’s tourism strategy ( 2016- 2040) is OMR19 billion of which 88 per cent is to come from the private sector” the Minister of Tourism added.
The ministry’s efforts to promote Oman as a regional and global hub for tourism are evident from the increase in the number of tourists visiting the Sultanate. From participating in international events and travel fairs to introducing campaigns and initiatives like the new e-visa system which allows millions of tourists visiting the country to apply for their visas online, the surge in popularity is set to accelerate the processing and approval of visas and ultimately attract more visitors every year.