The tourism flow growth rate in Dhofar Governorate has reached 18.4% during the autumn season of 2023. The number of direct charter flights to Salalah Airport in the winter season has reached 239 flights. Moreover, the hotel occupancy rate for 5 and 4-star categories has exceeded 95% during the winter season.
Khaled bin Abdullah Al Abri, the Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasized the importance of promoting tourism service projects across various locations in the governorate. This includes the development of mini tourist oases, starting with the "Hushir" oasis, which is expected to be completed this year in partnership with the Dhofar Municipality.
Plans are in place to issue a tender for the development of the "Haywar" Cave in Mount Samhan at the beginning of this year. This will transform it into a public outlet with various services and facilities available for investment, management, and operation. Additionally, a tender will be issued for the rehabilitation of two paths for adventure tourism enthusiasts, along with the signing of a contract for the management, operation, and employment of the Mirbat fort. The old market next to the fort will also be rebuilt and operated in collaboration with a local company.
Regarding museums, efforts are underway to issue a tender for the implementation of the "museum story" at the Land of Frankincense Museum. Restoration work at the Al Baleed and Sumharam archaeological sites will also be completed through a tender. Furthermore, a bid will be launched for the antiques, gifts, and crafts market at the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, with a focus on small and medium-sized companies and Riyada card holders in the allocation process.
Al-Abri has announced that Sadah Fort will be opened this year after the restoration and maintenance work carried out by the Ministry. Additionally, Rakhyut Fort will also be opened by the investing company in conjunction with World Heritage Day on April 18th.
In terms of investment opportunities, the Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate has stated that the Ministry has over 20 direct and promising investment opportunities in the governorate. They are also planning to open several hotel projects during the Dhofar 2024 fall season.
Al-Abri has emphasized that the Ministry is preparing a promotional package to target the Gulf and foreign markets, aiming to promote Dhofar Governorate as an attractive tourist destination. This year, the third edition of the frankincense season will take place, along with the Empty Quarter Festival and the Omani Culinary Arts Festival in September. These events, along with many others, are being prepared to cater to all visitors to the governorate.
It is important to note that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is actively implementing development projects in the tourism sector of Dhofar Governorate, in collaboration with government units and the private sector partners.
