Muscat: The licensed facilities include 11 hotels, 8 hotel apartments, 5 rest houses, 2 camps, 173 guest houses, 48 green lodges, and 2 heritage lodges. Of these, 182 are located in the Wilayat of Barka, 34 in Al Musannah, 22 in Rustaq, 10 in Nakhal, and one in Wadi Al Maawil. The tourism services sector has also expanded, with 116 travel agency offices and 82 tour operator offices now operating in the governorate.

Dr. Al Moatasem bin Nasser Al Hilali, Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah, said the governorate is an “ideal destination” for diverse tourism experiences, from heritage and history to adventure, marine activities, and nature-based tourism. Its unique location, stretching between the Sea of Oman’s coastline and the Hajar mountain peaks, provides visitors with a mix of natural and cultural richness.

He noted that the governorate is attracting investors in a wide range of tourism projects, including hotels, green lodges, guest houses, heritage inns, and entertainment facilities. Partnerships with the Governor’s Office, municipal councils, and other government bodies are helping to create a supportive investment environment.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is also working to enable local communities and SMEs to benefit from the tourism boom. Initiatives include converting heritage houses into inns, repurposing farms into green lodges, and developing guest houses, which offer authentic Omani cultural experiences to visitors.

Dr. Al Hilali emphasized that the growing demand for new tourist experiences is creating opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs to introduce innovative projects that enhance the governorate’s appeal.