Muscat: The Shura Council today hosted Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during its 8th regular session of the 2nd sitting of the 10th Term. The session focused on discussing the ministry’s statement on its policies, plans, and programmes, as well as the management and development of both the heritage and tourism sectors.

According to Oman News Agency, the session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. The minister highlighted that total tourism production has increased from RO 1.8 billion in 2019 to RO 2 billion in 2023. He also noted that the direct added value of tourism rose from RO 873 million in 2019 to RO 1 billion in 2023.

The minister emphasized that the tourism sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to reach 3.5 percent by 2030. This growth is anticipated to be supported by ongoing investments totaling approximately RO 3 billion, along with further investments being prepared across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

Discussing domestic tourism, the minister pointed out that local visitor numbers have increased from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023. Additionally, domestic tourism spending has grown from RO 732 million in 2019 to RO 830 million in 2023. He confirmed that the Ministry is actively working to establish, develop, and renovate tourist destinations in line with Royal directives.