Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is supporting initiatives launched by the public and private sectors, as well as community-led efforts, in pursuit of integrated environmental, economic, social, and tourism objectives. This comes as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism in the Sultanate of Oman.
According to Oman News Agency, the Ministry undertakes a pivotal role in encouraging tourism investment within nature reserves through its active partnerships, particularly with the Environment Authority, via the Natural Reserves Committee and the Committee for Reviewing Investment Projects in Nature Reserves. These efforts contribute to proposing tourism projects and products with an environmental identity enriched by cultural content, aligned with the dimensions of sustainable development and aimed at enhancing the tourism experience. Dr. Said Khalfan Al Musharfi, Assistant Director General for Projects and Product Development and the representative of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on the Committee for Reviewing Investment Projects in Nature Reserves, stated that the committee, comprising representatives from the relevant authorities, works to study and evaluate investment opportunities in nature reserves from various perspectives. The focus, he noted, is on the environmental and cultural characteris
tics as well as the unique competitive advantages of each reserve.
Al Musharfi confirmed the signing of nine investment projects across seven nature reserves to promote eco-tourism, with the involvement of local communities and a total investment value exceeding RO 44 million. These projects are being carried out in partnership with the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) and several private sector entities, and will include the development, management, and operation of a number of investment ventures in: Khor Al Mughsayl Reserve and Jabal Samhan Reserve in Dhofar Governorate; the Wetlands Reserve and the Arabian Oryx Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate; Ras Al Shajar Reserve in Muscat Governorate; the Western Mountain Star Lights Reserve in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate; and the Turtle Reserve in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
He noted that these investments aim to make optimal use of the unique natural resources found in these reserves and transform them into sustainable eco-tourism products that reflect the richness of Oman’s biodiversity while highlighting its cultural heritage.
The projects will feature a range of distinguished services, including the establishment of visitor and information centres designed to provide educational content about each reserve’s biodiversity. These centres will also offer guided tourist services and designated areas for showcasing and selling handicrafts and local products from home-based producers. Additionally, eco-friendly hospitality facilities will be developed in line with the environmental context of each reserve, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable tourism experience.
He added that much is expected of these investment projects in delivering exceptional experiences that deepen tourist engagement with the surrounding natural and cultural environment. Tourists will not only interact with wildlife species such as turtles, the Arabian leopard, gazelles, Arabian oryx, and rare plants, but will also enjoy unique meditative and astronomical activities. These include stargazing and observing celestial movements, particularly in the Western Mountain Star Lights Reserve in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, offering a holistic experience that blends nature, science, and culture.