Oman is seeking investments in eight new tourism projects, which include an environment tourist camp, adventure tourism centre, entertainment centre and chalets, tourism recreation centre and four three star hotels, a report said.

“The eight new projects to be launched at a number of tourism lands in different governorates are aimed at boosting tourism and generate investment opportunities for small and medium enterprises,” an official at the Ministry of Tourism was quoted as saying in the Oman Observer report.

The total volume of investment as part of the long-term Oman Tourism Strategy (2015-2040) is estimated at $35 billion including the cost of infrastructure, according to the report.
Oman’s new tourism strategy will be unveiled in September, the official said.

“As part of the country’s vision to leverage on Oman’s competitive advantages in the area of tourism, the ministry is developing its historical and cultural heritage alongside the natural potentials, based on the principles of sustainable development, and compatibility with the Omani culture,” the official said.

While the environmental tourist camp will be constructed in North Batinah Governorate, the other seven projects are scheduled for both north and south Sharqiyah and Al Dahirah governorates, the report said.

The travel and tourism sector contributed RO765.1 million to Oman’s GDP in 2014, marking 2.6 per cent of the total GDP, the report said.