Latest news with #TourismDevelopment
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
RO 2.59 billion invested in tourism projects
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed that land usufruct agreements signed across various governorates are playing a key role in advancing Oman's tourism sector and enriching visitor experiences. These efforts are part of the national strategy to enhance tourism investments and support sustainable development. Operating under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Ministry aims to attract RO 3 billion in private tourism investment. So far, RO 2.59 billion has been secured, with a strong focus on integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into tourism-related value chains. From early 2024 to the end of May 2025, 45 land usufruct contracts were signed — 14 of them this year — to implement various tourism projects across Oman. These include eco-friendly luxury camps, hotels, and resorts catering to different market segments. Ameera bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the Ministry, said the goal is to diversify Oman's tourism offerings both geographically and functionally. 'These projects go beyond traditional accommodation and aim to deliver integrated tourism experiences that enhance destination appeal while supporting local communities through job creation and economic activity,' she said. Ameera bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. She added that the Ministry seeks to balance supply and demand by expanding services in ecotourism, mountain tourism, and adventure tourism, all while maintaining Omani identity and environmental values. Al Lawati underscored the importance of private sector collaboration and ensuring that citizens see tangible benefits from these investments in their communities. — ONA
Skift
13-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
The Private Sector's Role in Saudi's Travel Ambitions
Global awareness of Saudi Arabia has grown significantly due to high-profile events. But there are challenges to building a travel business in the country. Skift Podcast Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Learn More This bonus episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features a discussion with Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, Saudi Arabia's largest travel and tourism company. Ahussain offered his thoughts on the evolution of the Saudi travel industry, the importance of Saudi travelers, and Almosafer's vision for the country's tourism development, among other topics, with Skift CEO Rafat Ali. Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Five Key Points Saudi Arabia's Emerging Global Travel Influence: Saudi travelers are high-spending and increasingly mobile, making them a valuable segment globally. The country is also a major inbound destination, especially for religious tourism. Domestic Tourism Boom Post-Covid: COVID-19 was a catalyst for domestic tourism, shifting Saudis' travel habits from primarily religious or family visits to leisure exploration of their own country. Growth Priorities – Religious Tourism & Leisure Expansion: While consumer travel remains the core revenue driver, Almosafer sees major near-term growth in religious tourism due to improved infrastructure and accessibility. Leisure tourism is projected to see growth, especially with Saudi Arabia's ongoing developments ahead of major events like Expo 2030 and the World Cup. Evolving Global Perceptions of Saudi Arabia: Global awareness of Saudi Arabia has improved significantly due to high-profile events, sports, and cultural openness. Talent Challenges and Investment in Human Capital: Retaining top local talent is a key challenge due to growing opportunities across the country. Significant national investment has been made in training and development, especially in tourism and hospitality. Episode Summary Skift CEO Rafat Ali and Muzzammil Ahussain discussed Almosafer's role as a leading travel company in Saudi Arabia and its position as a key player in the greater region's tourism industry. Ahussain also shared information about his personal journey, including how his international education shaped his global outlook. The Almosafer CEO provided details about the company's rapid growth, which was boosted by its significant investment in technology. Ahussain also addressed the challenges of building a travel business in Saudi Arabia due to the multitude of holidays on the country's calendar. And he touched on the sense of ambition that drives Saudi Arabia's development, especially as the country is poised for an inbound tourism surge.
Times of Oman
10-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Plan devised for diverse projects in recreational tourism sectors
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing an ambitious plan in 2025 to diversify tourism sectors and enhance recreational offerings through a series of high-quality projects. These initiatives, coordinated with the governors' offices across Oman's various governorates, fall under the broader framework of the comprehensive tourism development plan. They aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand the range of experiences available to visitors. The ministry highlighted some of the most prominent projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project. Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these projects align with the objectives outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan. They seek to enhance the quality of tourism offerings, boost competitiveness, and provide unique opportunities and experiences across various destinations, she explained. She added that these efforts support increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, attract local and foreign investments to Oman, and offer exceptional experiences for domestic, regional, and international tourists while appealing to diverse demographic groups. She affirmed that the ministry continues to promote cultural tourism as a cornerstone for diversifying the tourism product and reinforcing national identity. The ministry launched the 'Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" program, which includes multiple initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing dedicated culinary tourism routes. These routes feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience. Al Ghassani lauded the pivotal role of Omani museums in showcasing history, culture, and living heritage. The ministry, she said, is enhancing museum content through interactive digital displays, allowing visitors to engage deeply with Oman's rich civilization. Museums serve as both educational and tourism institutions, blending physical exhibits with modern technology to present historical narratives in an engaging manner. She noted that statistics indicate significant growth in heritage site visitors. For instance, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate—home to landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle—welcomed over 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This surge, she explained, is attributed to the development of heritage neighborhoods, improved services, and diversified tourism experiences.
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Business Standard
17-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Close call for 3 as heli ambulance makes emergency landing in Kedarnath
A 'Sanjeevani' heli ambulance operated by Aiims, Rishikesh on Saturday made an emergency landing in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath after developing a technical snag, an official said. Two doctors and a pilot on board the helicopter are safe, District Tourism Development Officer Rahul Chaubey said. The Sanjeevani heli ambulance had gone to Kedarnath to rescue a pilgrim suffering from respiratory distress when it developed a technical snag in its tail rotor forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing, said Chaubey, who is also the nodal officer for the Heli Service said. The heli ambulance's tail rotor broke when it was making an emergency landing on a flat surface close to the helipad, he said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct an investigation into the incident, Choubey said. The heli ambulance was coming to Kedarnath from Aiims Rishikesh to rescue a patient, Shree Devi. Before landing on the main helipad of Kedarnath, the helicopter developed some technical fault. Realizing it on time, the pilot thought it best to land on a flat surface just before the helipad. However, the helicopter's tail rotor broke during landing, the official said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Close call for three as heli ambulance makes emergency landing in Kedarnath
A 'Sanjeevani' heli ambulance operated by AIIMS, Rishikesh on Saturday (May 17, 2025) made an emergency landing in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath after developing a technical snag, an official said. Two doctors and a pilot on board the helicopter are safe, District Tourism Development Officer Rahul Chaubey said. The Sanjeevani heli ambulance had gone to Kedarnath to rescue a pilgrim suffering from respiratory distress when it developed a technical snag in its tail rotor forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing, said Mr. Chaubey, who is also the nodal officer for the Heli Service said. The heli ambulance's tail rotor broke when it was making an emergency landing on a flat surface close to the helipad, he said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct an investigation into the incident, Choubey said. The heli ambulance was coming to Kedarnath from AIIMS Rishikesh to rescue a patient, Shree Devi. Before landing on the main helipad of Kedarnath, the helicopter developed some technical fault. Realizing it on time, the pilot thought it best to land on a flat surface just before the helipad. However, the helicopter's tail rotor broke during landing, the official said.
