Musandam Prepares for Winter Tourists: What This Means for Investors and Business Owners in Oman’s Tourism Sector
Muscat: The Musandam Governorate is intensifying preparations to promote the region as a leading tourism destination through a series of special packages and initiatives.
Nawfal bin Mohammed al Kamzari, Assistant Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Musandam, explained that these efforts include thorough field inspections of tourism companies, establishments, and hotels to ensure compliance with approved standards and the delivery of high-quality services to visitors.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is actively supporting promotional activities for the “Winter Musandam” event, organized by the Musandam Governor’s Office. Additionally, a temporary tourist information center has been set up at Khasab Port to assist cruise ship visitors by providing essential information, maps, and services.
A key project underway is the visitor center in Dibba, which aims to offer comprehensive services and introduce visitors to the area’s natural, heritage, and tourism attractions. Work is also progressing on the Ras al Amoud Tourist Resort located in Khor al Hablain.
In Wilayat Bukha, a new tourist hotel project is being developed to expand accommodation capacity and address the increasing demand for lodging. Furthermore, a recent cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Khasab Development, and Sandan has been signed to establish the integrated tourism complex “Pearl of Khasab,” which is expected to significantly enhance the region’s tourism offerings.
Preservation efforts continue with scheduled maintenance and rehabilitation work on the historic forts of Khasab and Bukha, underscoring the commitment to safeguard cultural heritage and bolster tourism at these iconic sites.
In 2024, Musandam Governorate welcomed 45 cruise ships, attracting a total of 58,267 tourists. The castles and forts saw 17,413 visitors, highlighting the growing interest in the region’s historical landmarks.
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The strategic focus on developing Musandam Governorate as a premier tourism destination presents significant growth opportunities for businesses in hospitality, travel services, and heritage conservation. With increasing cruise ship arrivals and major infrastructure projects like new hotels and integrated tourism complexes, smart investors should consider tapping into the expanding accommodation and experiential tourism market. However, ensuring compliance with quality standards and sustainability will be crucial to maintaining Musandam’s appeal and long-term success.
