Tourism set for a big leap in Dhofar
SALALAH — Khalid bin Musallam Al Rawas, director-general of tourism in Dhofar governorate, has stated that the Ministry of Tourism had lately floated a number of tenders for the execution of a number of tourism development projects in the governorate.
Rowas indicated that the projects would soon be awarded to the executing companies and establishments.
He told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the Tourism Ministry has agreed with the Dhofar Municipality that the latter will prepare the drawings, maps and tender documents for these projects and the ministry, on the other hand, would finance and execute them.
The projects include construction of eight playgrounds for children at parks in the city of Salalah and at some of the major tourism spots, in addition to developing two entertainment and tourism sites at the Hamrir Heights, among others.
Rowas explained that the projects include development of picnic spots at Wadi Shaboon where, among others, the work of tiling and landscaping will be done.
He said the ministry had contributed in financing and executing the construction of the 4km-long Wadi Shaboon road.
Rowas added that the Kahf Ateen site and the site of Natif in the niyabat of Hasik would be developed.
The director-general of tourism added that Ain Jarzeez would be developed using the local materials.
Rowas referred to the ongoing work at Dhofar governorate which is about to be completed; such as developing a television studio at Sahl Ateen and installation of signboards at the tourism spots in the governorate and a project for the maintenance of Kahf Al Marneef, in addition to opening a special passage for people with special needs.
Rowas explained that one of the major investment projects, planned for the governorate in the coming stage, is a tourism resort at Shaa area, which will extend from Khor Janoof to Khor Taqah, and a number of hotels and residential units will be built with the facilities such as golf field, yachts berthing harbour and commercial centres.
He said the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2009.
In addition, a commercial complex project and hotel apartments in Salalah will be implemented with the investments of other Gulf states. The projects are expected to be completed by 2008. The work also includes the establishment of a tourism village at Haino in the wilayat of Mirbat. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
As for the preparation for Salalah Khareef Festival 2007, the director-general of tourism, said the ministry had participated in the Dubai International Travel and Tourism Fair with the aim of promoting the Sultanate as a major tourism destination in general with focus on the Khareef Festival.
Promotion campaigns were also organised in the cities of Riyadh, Al Khobar, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, he said. A number of establishments such as Oman Air, Gulf Ai, hotels, and travel and tourism firms associated with the campaign, he said.
Rowas added that the Ministry of Tourism had reprinted the tourist guide and maps of the governorate, and established information centres at Hirait and at Salalah airport. The ministry has also made arrangements to collect data on the tourist arrival in association with the Ministry of National Economy, he said.
Surveillance and inspection campaigns would be conducted in cooperation with the agencies like the Royal Oman Police and Dhofar Municipality with the aim of improving the quality of services for the tourists.