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These facilities will be made available to SMEs to operate, benefitting the local community
Oman has ambitious plans to enhance its adventure tourism industry by developing 40 new projects by the year 2025.
To attract more visitors to the country, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is executing a plan that includes more than 40 projects aimed at boosting adventure tourism beyond 2025.
The projects include developing a cable car in the Botanical Garden and installing ziplines in Wadi Darbat in Dhofar for the khareef season.
Recently, a zipline in Musandam was inaugurated, and a suspension bridge is being built in Wadi Shab in South Sharqiyah.
To further promote adventure tourism, the ministry is planning to create mountain trails in Hawar village in Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi al Arbaeen, both known for their perpetual springs.
These trails will allow tourists and adventure enthusiasts to explore the beauty of mountainous regions and wadis.
Additionally, the ministry is working on paving a road to Al Sogara, a mountainside village in Jabal Akhdar that has a heritage inn and is a popular tourist destination.
The ministry is also exploring the possibility of setting up service facilities on the mountain tracks in Wadi Bani Awf, including changing rooms, camping sites, a café, and a restaurant.
Benefiting the local community
Local SMEs will have the opportunity to operate these facilities, which will have a positive impact on the community.
As part of its plan to promote adventure tourism, the ministry aims to pave a total of 15 mountain trails, with a majority located in the Hajar Mountains, including Jabal Shams, Jabal Akhdar, and Wadi Bani Awf.
Additionally, 37 new mountain trails suitable for adventure activities have been discovered by youth teams and are now authorised for use. Presently, there are 53 approved mountain trails in Oman.
While Oman boasts many stunning caves, establishing recreational facilities requires in-depth studies, technical consultations, and substantial funding. Nonetheless, the ministry is currently evaluating various sites for their potential as adventure tourism destinations.
Twenty tourism companies have applied for licenses to organise adventure activities. The ministry is working to finalise safety and risk management protocols, carry out adventure activities across various sites and projects, and collaborate with the Ministry of Defence to train tour guides.
Oman’s plan to enhance adventure tourism is expected to boost the country’s tourism industry and economy by attracting more visitors. By creating a more diverse range of experiences for tourists, the ministry’s efforts will further enhance Oman’s reputation as a premier tourist destination in the region. |
