Muscat: In order to utilize cultural heritage and enhance its contribution to economic growth, the Ministry has assigned local companies to develop and improve tourism experiences related to the site.
This is within the framework of the Ministry’s strategy aimed at employing cultural heritage and enhancing its contribution to economic growth, activating and strengthening community partnerships to sustain national heritage and legacy. It also aims to boost the contributions of the heritage sector in economic activity and diversify sources of tourist attraction, as the number of visitors to heritage sites, by the end of September 2023, reached about 80,317 visitors.

Zayana bint Muhammad Al-Harrasiyah, Head of the Rehabilitation and Development of Historical Sites Department at the Ministry stated that the companies operating heritage sites seek to develop and improve tourist experiences associated with the site, and thereby enhance the attractions of the tourism product as a whole.

She further explained that the added value of the tourism sector lies in enriching tourism through projects that benefit the local community by providing direct and indirect job opportunities through the private sector and small and medium enterprises, by involving productive families in the local community, by creating marketing outlets for craftsmen, and by holding events and activities throughout the year.

With the incentive, encouragement, and capabilities for local companies and establishments, represented by a grace period of up to three years of exemption from the rental value, the head of the rehabilitation and development department for historical sites stated that there are a number of standards, foundations, and requirements that the investor (operator) of cultural heritage sites must adhere to. This includes the consideration of the cultural heritage site as a symbol and a historical and sovereign significance that must be preserved along with its components, as well as obtain the necessary permits and licenses from competent authorities such as the municipality, the Royal Oman Police and other authorities with jurisdiction in all works undertaken.

Zayana bint Muhammad Al-Harrasiya explained that the Ministry is working to ensure the optimal operation of the sites through periodic follow-up by specialists from the Ministry and following up on the progress of work and implementation according to the agreed upon plan and the vision presented by the company; the timetable for preparation and operation, and the annual program of events.

It is worth noting that among the most important heritage sites whose managing and employment have been entrusted to companies and establishments are : Nizwa Fort in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, Jabreen Castle at the Wilayat of Bahla in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, Muttrah Fort in the Governorate of Muscat , Koot Bait Al Askar at the Wilayat of Taqah in the Governorate of Dhofar , the waterfront shops of the archaeological site of Al Baleed Cafés at the Wilayat of Salalah , Nakhal Fort in the Governorate of Al Batinah South, the Wadi Dawka Reserve at the Wilayat of Thumrait in the Governorate of Dhofar , Al Khamis Wall and Tower in the Governorate of Al Batinah South, Koot Hamran in the Governorate of Dhofar, the Rakhyut Fort in the Governorate of Dhofar, Beit Al Rudaydah Fort in the Governorate of Dakhiliyah, Bahla Fort in the Governorate of Dakhiliyah and Al Khaboura Fort. In the North Al Batinah Governorate, Al Mirani Fort in the Governorate of Muscat, and Liwa Fort in the Governorate of Al Batinah North.