Muscat: As part of its efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism supports programs initiated by the public, private, and community sectors to meet integrated environmental, economic, social, and tourism goals.
The Ministry plays an important role in promoting tourist investment in nature reserves through successful collaboration, notably with the Environment Authority through the Nature Reserves Committee and the Nature Reserve Investment Projects Study Committee. These collaborations aid in the development of tourism projects and products that have an environmental character, are rich in cultural material that corresponds with the aspects of sustainable development, and improve the tourist experience.
Dr. Saeed bin Khalfan Al Musharfi, Assistant Director General for Projects and Product Development and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's representative on the Nature Reserve Investment Projects Study Committee, stated that the committee is studying and evaluating investment possibilities in nature reserves from a variety of perspectives, with a focus on the environmental and cultural characteristics and competitive advantages of each reserve.
Al Mashrafi stated that the signing of nine investment agreements in seven nature reserves to promote ecotourism with local community involvement, with an investment volume of more than OMR 44 million, with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) and other private sector organizations to develop, manage, and operate multiple investment projects in several reserves across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates, will contribute to the optimal use of these reserves' unique natural resources by converting them into sustainable ecotourism products that reflect the Sultanate's rich biodiversity while emphasizing cultural content.
He stated that these projects would offer a variety of unique services, the most notable of which are the establishment of information centers aimed at delivering educational information about the biodiversity of each reserve, visitor counseling services, and areas dedicated to exhibiting handicrafts and local items produced by productive families. It will also provide eco-friendly lodging options that are in accordance with the environmental framework of each reserve, ensuring a holistic and sustainable tourist experience.
He emphasized that he is counting on these investment programs in nature reserves to deliver unique experiences that will improve visitor interaction and connection with the surrounding natural and cultural environment by offering a variety of activities that are consistent with the overall framework of the reserve. The tourist experience will go beyond interacting with animals to include unique contemplative and celestial activities, providing tourists with a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive experience that combines nature, science, and culture.
According to Al Mashrafi, these investment projects will compliment the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to establish new tourism models and goods based on the best use of natural and cultural features, including as adventure and health tourism. This will establish the Sultanate of Oman as a tourist destination that appeals to both domestic and international tourists.
Al Mashrafi highlighted that one of the most critical components of nature reserve design, implementation, and management programs is to guarantee meaningful local community participation. This is accomplished by engaging local community participants in development, operation, and management initiatives, notably by creating direct and indirect job prospects for inhabitants of surrounding communities. A number of commercial organizations, including small and medium-sized businesses, have signed contracts to administer, develop, and operate certain reserves.
Dr. Saeed bin Khalfan Al Mashrafi emphasized that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's support for investment projects in nature reserves includes not just technical and organizational components, but also the use of tourist goods in nature reserves as part of marketing strategies that the Ministry and its partners are working to implement at numerous local, regional, and international exhibitions and forums. As a result, the Sultanate of Oman is a popular destination for environmental and scientific tourism, with researchers, academics, and students, as well as naturalists, astronomers, and general travelers who enjoy sustainable tourism.
