Museums Tourism Development
Conference Recommends Enhancing Integrated Management of Cultural Heritage

Manah, 20 May (ONA) —— The
International Conference “Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development”
concluded its deliberations today in the Wilayat of Manah, A’Dakhiliyah
Governorate, under the patronage of Nasr Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of
the Royal Court Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Oman Across
Ages Museum.

Regarding museum and heritage
institutions, the conference recommended enhancing the integrated management of
cultural heritage through digital documentation, oral narratives, and
institutional partnerships. This aims to establish museums as living memories
and drivers of sustainable tourism and cultural development.

It also called for activating
multilingual and multimedia museum programs to enrich visitor experiences,
expanding participation in national and international tourism routes linked to
cultural identity, and integrating museums into tourism policies through models
such as archaeological and heritage site museums and intangible museums. These
efforts would bolster the community economy and preserve local cultural
diversity.

In a statement delivered by Dr.
Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, concerning
museum economy and tourism, the conference emphasized consolidating the role of
museums in urban and tourism planning as interactive creative hubs capable of
stimulating local economies and creating educational and experiential tourism
pathways.

It also recommended leveraging
cultural entrepreneurship and digital transformation to develop smart museum
models that generate sustainable income, support economic diversification
within the cultural economy, and enhance participatory governance models and
partnerships with the private sector and communities to improve museum
investment efficiency and expand its tourism and social impact within the
sustainable development agenda.

As for the cultural and
educational role of museums, the conference recommended repurposing museums as
interactive educational spaces that promote cultural citizenship and integrate
multiculturalism into educational programs and local curricula within a
comprehensive societal vision.

It also advocated supporting
mobile, scientific, and literary museums as alternative models to bridge
learning gaps, connect visitors with knowledge and tourism experiences in
marginalized environments and multicultural communities, and develop
institutional partnerships between museums, educational institutions, and professional
bodies to build technical capacities and produce quality cultural content that
fosters integration between education and tourism.

As far as digital technologies in
museum exhibitions and their tourism role are concerned, the conference
recommended adopting integrated digital strategies based on artificial
intelligence and other modern technologies to deepen visitor experiences and
amplify the cultural and tourism impact of museum content.

It also called for using
non-invasive analysis and documentation tools, such as multispectral imaging
and digital modeling, to preserve collections and enhance museums’ research and
educational appeal.

Additionally, it emphasized
integrating interactive digital storytelling into museum marketing, transforming
historical figures into digital symbols that bridge memory and innovation while
engaging the global digital-native audience.

Dr. Mohammed Ismail Al Nasrat, in
his address on behalf of participants, highlighted Oman’s ancient history
spanning thousands of years and its vibrant cultural treasures embodied in
every museum, fort, and city. He noted that these institutions have proven not
only to be guardians of memory but also key players in shaping the future of
cultural tourism in the region and the world.

He emphasized Oman’s profound
commitment to heritage and its relentless efforts to link heritage with
development, serving as a model for transforming culture into an economic,
social, and humanitarian asset.

The conference’s third theme,
“The Cultural and Educational Role of Museums,” featured several working
papers discussing the educational and interactive experiences of contemporary
museums.

Meanwhile, the fourth theme,
“Digital Technologies in Museum Exhibitions and Their Role in Tourism,”
explored digital imaging, interactive guidance in museums, and artificial
intelligence innovations.

Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO
of Omran Group and the keynote speaker on the final day of the conference, delivered
a lecture titled “Museums as Strategic Drivers of Tourism Growth.”

He highlighted museums as one of
the most important attractions for cultural and knowledge-seeking tourists,
their role in boosting the tourism sector, and their connection to economic,
social, and cultural development. He underscored their importance in attracting
culturally oriented tourists, supporting local economies, and strengthening
national identity, as well as their contribution to sustainable tourism
development and the diversification of tourism products and experiences.

He also examined their role in
reshaping cities as prime destinations, extending visitor stays, and
stimulating year-round tourism spending.

—— Ends/AH