Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is rolling out an ambitious strategy in 2025 aimed at diversifying tourism sectors and enhancing recreational options through a variety of high-quality projects. These initiatives are being carried out in coordination with the governors’ offices across Oman’s different governorates and are part of a broader comprehensive tourism development plan. The primary goal is to bolster tourism infrastructure and broaden the array of experiences available to tourists.
The ministry has highlighted several key projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives, and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project. Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, who serves as the Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these initiatives are in line with the goals outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan.
They aim to improve the quality of tourism offerings, increase competitiveness, and provide distinct opportunities and experiences across different locations, she elaborated. She also mentioned that these efforts contribute to raising the non-oil sectors' share of GDP, drawing both local and foreign investments to Oman, and delivering exceptional experiences for local, regional, and international tourists while catering to a diverse demographic range.
She emphasized that the ministry continues to champion cultural tourism as a fundamental aspect of diversifying the tourism product and strengthening national identity. The ministry has introduced the “Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" program, which comprises several initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and creating specific culinary tourism routes. These routes include visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants that offer authentic recipes, thus elevating Omani cuisine as a vital aspect of the tourism experience.
Al Ghassani praised the crucial role of Omani museums in representing history, culture, and living heritage. According to her, the ministry is enriching museum content with interactive digital exhibits that allow visitors to engage more thoroughly with Oman’s rich history. Museums act as both educational and tourism institutions, merging physical displays with modern technology to narrate historical stories in an engaging way.
She pointed out that statistics indicate a notable increase in visitors to heritage sites. For example, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate—home to attractions like Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle—saw over 415,000 visitors in 2024, reflecting a 32% rise from the previous year. She attributed this increase to the development of heritage neighborhoods, enhanced services, and a wider variety of tourism experiences.
