Muscat – The initiative aims to integrate environmental, economic, social, and tourism objectives while preserving the country’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

As part of a broader strategy, the Ministry is collaborating with the Environment Authority through the Nature Reserves Committee and the Nature Reserve Investment Projects Study Committee to identify and evaluate viable tourism investment opportunities. These efforts are designed to introduce environmentally themed tourism products with rich cultural content that align with the principles of sustainable development.

Dr. Saeed bin Khalfan Al Musharfi, Assistant Director General for Projects and Product Development and representative of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on the Nature Reserve Investment Projects Study Committee, Dr. Saeed bin Khalfan Al Mashrafi, Assistant Director General for Projects and Product Development and representative of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on the committee studying investment projects in nature reserves, stated that nine investment agreements have been signed to develop projects across seven nature reserves, with a total investment exceeding RO 44 million. These agreements involve partnerships with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) and private sector institutions to manage and operate projects in reserves located throughout various governorates.

These projects will contribute towards the optimal use of unique natural resources that abound in these reserves, and transform them into sustainable ecotourism products that reflect the richness of biodiversity, while highlighting the cultural content.

Planned projects include the construction of eco-friendly accommodation, visitor information centres, and handicraft markets showcasing local products. In addition, eco-friendly hotel facilities will be built in line with the environmental framework of each reserve, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable tourism experience.

Dr. Al Mashrafi also stressed the importance of local community participation in the development, operation, and management of these reserves. These efforts aim to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to residents in surrounding areas and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through signed management and development agreements.

He stated that these investment projects will complement the Ministry’s initiatives to launch other tourism models and products based on the optimal use of natural and cultural elements, such as adventure tourism, medical tourism, and others, making the Sultanate of Oman a tourist destination that caters to the tastes of local and international tourist groups.