Ministry
of Heritage Promotes Sustainable Tourism Investment in Nature Reserves Muscat,
19 May (ONA) — The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is supporting initiatives
launched by the public and private sectors, as well as community-led efforts,
in pursuit of integrated environmental, economic, social, and tourism
objectives. This comes as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable
tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. The
Ministry undertakes a pivotal role in encouraging tourism investment within
nature reserves through its active partnerships, particularly with the
Environment Authority, via the Natural Reserves Committee and the Committee for
Reviewing Investment Projects in Nature Reserves. These efforts contribute to
proposing tourism projects and products with an environmental identity enriched
by cultural content, aligned with the dimensions of sustainable development and
aimed at enhancing the tourism experience. Dr.
Said Khalfan Al Musharfi, Assistant Director General for Projects and Product
Development and the representative of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on
the Committee for Reviewing Investment Projects in Nature Reserves, stated that
the committee, comprising representatives from the relevant authorities, works
to study and evaluate investment opportunities in nature reserves from various
perspectives. The focus, he noted, is on the environmental and cultural
characteristics as well as the unique competitive advantages of each reserve. Al
Musharfi confirmed the signing of nine investment projects across seven nature
reserves to promote eco-tourism, with the involvement of local communities and
a total investment value exceeding RO 44 million. These projects are being
carried out in partnership with the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN)
and several private sector entities, and will include the development,
management, and operation of a number of investment ventures in: Khor Al
Mughsayl Reserve and Jabal Samhan Reserve in Dhofar Governorate; the Wetlands
Reserve and the Arabian Oryx Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate; Ras Al Shajar
Reserve in Muscat Governorate; the Western Mountain Star Lights Reserve in Al
Dakhiliyah Governorate; and the Turtle Reserve in South Al Sharqiyah
Governorate. He
noted that these investments aim to make optimal use of the unique natural
resources found in these reserves and transform them into sustainable
eco-tourism products that reflect the richness of Oman’s biodiversity while
highlighting its cultural heritage. The
projects will feature a range of distinguished services, including the
establishment of visitor and information centres designed to provide
educational content about each reserve’s biodiversity. These centres will also
offer guided tourist services and designated areas for showcasing and selling
handicrafts and local products from home-based producers. Additionally,
eco-friendly hospitality facilities will be developed in line with the
environmental context of each reserve, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable
tourism experience. He
added that much is expected of these investment projects in delivering
exceptional experiences that deepen tourist engagement with the surrounding
natural and cultural environment. Tourists will not only interact with wildlife
species such as turtles, the Arabian leopard, gazelles, Arabian oryx, and rare
plants, but will also enjoy unique meditative and astronomical activities.
These include stargazing and observing celestial movements, particularly in the
Western Mountain Star Lights Reserve in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, offering a
holistic experience that blends nature, science, and culture.

—Ends/AG