Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is gearing up to implement a comprehensive plan in 2025 aimed at diversifying the tourism sector and enhancing recreational offerings through a series of high-quality projects. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand the range of experiences available to visitors across Oman.
According to Oman News Agency, these projects are being coordinated with the governors’ offices across Oman’s governorates and align with the objectives outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan. The ministry has highlighted several prominent projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives, and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project.
Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department, emphasized that these initiatives aim to enhance the quality of tourism offerings, boost competitiveness, and provide unique opportunities and experiences across various destinations. She also noted that these efforts are intended to increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, attract both local and foreign investments to Oman, and offer exceptional experiences for domestic, regional, and international tourists.
The ministry continues to promote cultural tourism as a cornerstone for diversifying the tourism product and reinforcing national identity. Al Ghassani mentioned the launch of the ‘Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism’ program, which includes initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing culinary tourism routes. These routes will feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience.
Additionally, Al Ghassani praised the role of Omani museums in showcasing history, culture, and living heritage. The ministry is enhancing museum content with interactive digital displays to allow visitors to engage deeply with Oman’s rich civilization. Museums are being positioned as both educational and tourism institutions, blending physical exhibits with modern technology to present historical narratives engagingly.
She also noted a significant growth in heritage site visitors, citing statistics that show A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, home to landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle, welcomed over 415,000 visitors in 2024. This figure marks a 32% increase compared to the previous year, a surge attributed to the development of heritage neighborhoods, improved services, and diversified tourism experiences.