Muscat: The second edition of the 'Rummana' event witnessed a significant increase in attendance, with 51,078 individuals participating compared to the inaugural edition, which saw 22,482 visitors spanning from July 4 to September 28.
This edition of 'Rummana' stands as a notable initiative in the realm of agricultural tourism, spearheaded by Tibi Tourism Development Company in collaboration with the Tourism Agriculture Development Company of Jabal Al Akhdar. The event aims to promote environmentally friendly tourism, offer distinctive experiences to tourists, bolster local value, and impart knowledge and expertise to the younger generation.
Khalid bin Hamad Al Aghbari, the Head of the Field Work Team at the Tourism Agriculture Development Company (Janaen), highlighted the success of the second edition, noting the participation of 45 small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors. This event not only facilitated the promotion of productive institutions and families but also introduced visitors to the diverse products of these companies.
Furthermore, Al Aghbari mentioned that the event saw a notable increase in fruit sales, with a total of 5,000 kilograms sold, valued at approximately OMR10,000. Additionally, the 'Rummana' project saw a significant expansion, with 667 pomegranate trees planted during the second edition, with this year's production reaching an impressive 8.5 tonnes.
The surge in attendance for the second edition of the 'Rummana' event can be attributed to its strategic timing, coinciding with the "Summer of the Green Mountain" events. This period, which included a plethora of cultural, social, sports, entertainment, and heritage activities, was part of the governorate's strategy to stimulate local tourism and highlight the heritage and natural wonders of the Wilayat of Jabal Al-Akhdar.
Al-Amjad bint Hilal Al Maawali, a partner and founder of 'Tibi Tourism Development Company', expressed her satisfaction with the 'Rummana' project, emphasizing the exceptional experiences provided to visitors through its array of activities and events, particularly the unique opportunity to enjoy the pomegranate trees.
Al Maawali stated that the initiative encompassed a diverse array of restaurants and cafes, alongside numerous workshops and cultural events, aimed at engaging families and children. The objective was to foster an understanding of agriculture tourism and facilitate the dissemination of agricultural knowledge and information. The event featured designated areas for children's games and a section dedicated to the sale of products from small and medium-sized enterprises within the Wilayat of Jabal Al Akhdar.
Al Maawali affirmed that the 'Rummana' event has significantly bolstered Jabal Al Akhdar's status as a premier tourist, cultural, and agricultural hub within the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. He highlighted the Wilayat's abundant natural resources and the employment opportunities they provide, which in turn enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural and tourism sectors within Jabal Al Akhdar. This event has been instrumental in enriching the tourism and agricultural sectors, as well as supporting local farmers in promoting their diverse products.