Workshop
Discusses Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development with Governorates
Muscat,
26 May (ONA) — The national workshop on “Addressing Governance
Challenges in Heritage and Tourism Development Management with the
Governorates” kicked off today in Muscat.
The
event brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and
supporting entities, as well as a number of experts and specialists in
governance, planning, and tourism development. The four-day event aims to
enhance institutional integration with the governorates, promote
decentralization in the heritage and tourism sectors, and address governance
challenges in these fields.
Organized
by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040
Implementation Follow-up Unit and several government and private entities, the
workshop seeks to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions for improving
and financing tourism service facilities. This initiative supports sustainable
development goals, enhances institutional efficiency, and strengthens
public-private partnerships.
Azzan
Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for
Tourism, stated that the workshop is part of a series of specialized sessions
conducted by the ministry to tackle challenges in the heritage and tourism
sectors. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to fostering institutional integration
with its partners and developing effective governance mechanisms that
contribute to the national economy and reinforce Oman’s cultural identity.
Al
Busaidi added that the workshop aims to identify existing challenges, exchange
insights and expertise, and formulate practical, actionable solutions in
partnership with governorates and relevant stakeholders. This ensures tangible
developmental impact and aligns with the government’s direction toward
decentralization in governorate development.
The
undersecretary also highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private
partnerships, empowering local communities to actively participate in tourism
development, and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
The
workshop focuses on three key pillars; The first pillar is “Governance and
Institutional Integration – Enhancing coordination among stakeholders to ensure
effective management and integrated developmental goals.”
The
second pillar focuses on “Investment Governance and Tourism Development–
Improving the investment climate and supporting tourism sector initiatives to
boost attractiveness and sustainable growth opportunities.”
Meanwhile,
the third pillar revolves around the “Development of Tourism and Public Service
Facilities – Upgrading infrastructure and essential tourism facilities to
provide an exceptional visitor experience and support long-term heritage and
tourism development plans.”
The
event featured presentations on the governorates’ role in heritage and tourism
development, the ministry’s mandates related to governorates, governance and
decentralization principles, and their positive impact on institutional
efficiency. Additionally, models for sustainable tourism governance were
discussed to ensure balanced sector growth in line with national objectives.
This
workshop is part of a series of initiatives by the Ministry of Heritage and
Tourism, in collaboration with strategic partners, under the program to address
challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. The program aims to achieve
balanced and comprehensive development across Oman’s governorates and fulfill
the national goals of Oman Vision 2040.
—Ends/AG
