International Conference in
Oman Addresses Role of Museums in Tourism Development

Manah, 18 May (ONA) —— The
deliberations of the international conference titled “Museums and Their Role in
Tourism Development” began today at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the
Wilayat of Manah, the A’Dakhiliyah Governorate.

The event, held under the
patronage of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brings
together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries.

Organized by the Oman Across
Ages Museum in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority
and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference seeks to
highlight the role of museums and heritage institutions in tourism development
and cultural preservation. It also aims to promote museum tourism, cultural
economy, and related investment opportunities, explore the educational and
knowledge-based role of museums through academic partnerships, and leverage
modern digital technologies to enrich visitor experiences. Additionally, the
conference facilitates the exchange of expertise at both local and
international levels.

Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al
Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, stated that
this international conference coincides with International Museum Day and seeks
to foster meaningful partnerships and communication between official and private
institutions in Oman’s museum sector, alongside international participants from
around the world. The discussions will revolve around peer-reviewed research
papers, and the event also features a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the
role of museum institutions in Oman.

He emphasized that organizing
this conference is a significant step toward future events that highlight
collaborative efforts among institutions involved in cultural, scientific,
intellectual, and museum-related fields.

In his speech, Eng. Yaqdhan
Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, affirmed
that the conference underscores the museum’s pivotal role in sustainable
development as a mirror of identity and a driving force for cultural tourism.
He noted that museums have become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism,
presenting history as an interactive experience that engages the senses and
intellect, offering visitors opportunities for conscious participation. Museums
also serve as a civilizational platform fostering intercultural dialogue,
providing authentic knowledge experiences, and supporting the creative economy
while diversifying income sources, he said.

The opening ceremony featured
a keynote speech by Dr. Sharqi Dahmali, President of the Arab Museums
Organization and member of the Advisory Council and Strategic Planning
Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). He began by defining
museums and their scientific, cultural, and touristic roles for nations,
emphasizing their services in conveying core messages and fulfilling their
social and humanitarian roles, particularly in scientific marketing. He also
outlined various methods for presenting museum exhibits and explored ideas
connecting Omani and Moroccan museums, given their cultural ties.

Dr. Dahmali reviewed ICOM’s
role in museum development and international cooperation, as well as its
efforts in collections management and museum administration. He discussed
ICOM’s professional and ethical standards for museum activities, its
recommendations on cultural heritage issues, and its initiatives to build
professional capacities in protecting museums and movable cultural heritage
during crises.

The conference is accompanied
by six specialized workshops focusing on museum work and providing a platform
for knowledge and practical interaction among participants. The workshops cover
diverse topics such as digital technologies, museum management, community
experiences, and cultural content development, bridging theoretical and practical
approaches. The event also includes a parallel exhibition featuring
participation from various government and private institutions.

The conference will address
practical themes, with the first session titled “Museum and Heritage
Institutions” exploring the importance of museums and archaeological sites
in tourism development, the role of archaeological missions in uncovering
civilizational and historical depth, legislative frameworks for museums in
safeguarding national heritage, and the role of international organizations in
protecting museum and heritage components. It will also discuss development
plans for preparing archaeological and museum sites for tourism.

The second theme, “Economy
and Museum Tourism,” will examine museums’ contributions to tourism and
economic development, the economic dimensions of tourism growth, financial and
human resources in museum tourism, the role of travel agencies in promoting
museums, and how museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions
contribute to national and individual income. Discussions will also cover
sustainable investment in museums, tourism seasons, and museum and
archaeological promotion.

The third theme focuses on
the cultural and educational role of museums, addressing curricula that emphasize
museums’ importance in education, collaboration between museums and academic
institutions, the cultural and touristic role of private museums, and their
historical and social value in scientific research. It will also explore
museums’ role in promoting tourism culture, serving society, and producing
educational and intellectual content.

The fourth theme will delve
into digital technologies and experiences in museum exhibitions, their impact
on cultural tourism, and their role in enhancing knowledge and intellectual
engagement. It will also address the use of artificial intelligence in museum
displays.

The conference aims to
highlight the role of museums and archaeological sites in boosting tourism,
raise public awareness of museums’ importance in tourism development, examine
the relationship between tourism-related institutions and their role in
revitalizing museum activity, and strengthen cooperation between Omani, Arab,
and international museums.

It will also showcase their
experiences in promoting Oman’s civilizational and cultural aspects, marketing
the Sultanate of Oman as a cultural and historical hub in the Arab world, with
a focus on archaeological tourism and the significance of modern digital
technologies in museum exhibitions and tourism promotion.

—— Ends/AH