The Media, Tourism, and Culture Committee of the Shura Council hosted the CEO of the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) a number of specialists from the company. This meeting is part of the committee's efforts to follow up on the initiatives aimed at economically leveraging cultural heritage in the Sultanate of Oman and making it a key component in maximizing the economic returns from World Heritage sites within the framework of Omani tourism."

During the meeting, Dr. Hashel Obaid Al-Mahrouqi, CEO of the Omran Group, gave a visual presentation that included an introduction to the group, its tasks and responsibilities, as well as its programs and initiatives for the current five-year plan. The presentation also reviewed the execution status of the group's projects through their various stages, from identifying investment opportunities to the implementation process and finally to the management and operation of these.


During the meeting, the group reviewed its efforts and regulations for diversifying the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the framework for responsible tourism through heritage tourism. This includes developing heritage, cultural, and natural tourism by offering unique experiences and ensuring synergy with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s efforts to preserve Oman’s rich heritage."


The meeting also reviewed a number of experiences that the group has had in developing heritage facilities in the Sultanate of Oman, such as Nizwa Fort and the Jalali and Mirani Forts. During the meeting, specialists presented strategic plans and feasibility studies for a number of projects listed for development across various governorates of the Sultanate. In addition, the meeting addressed the challenges that hinder investment and development efforts in historical sites, whether concerning small and medium-sized enterprises or private sector companies, and the group's efforts to overcome and address these challenges to create an attractive environment for both local and foreign investment.


The meeting also discussions related to the tourism sector in general, and the role of Omran Group in supporting the implementation of tourism projects near World Heritage sites. This aims to transform these areas into tourist attractions and contribute to highlighting their cultural and global significance. Additionally, the meeting addressed the roles the group is playing in developing the tourism sector across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, enhancing its economic value.


The meeting also discussed areas of collaboration between the company and the relevant authorities overseeing these sites, such as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (aflaj). 

Additionally, the meeting explored the positive impact and expected economic returns from developing these sites, the company's benefit from regional and international experiences related to the development of similar heritage sites, and the challenges that may arise during the development process. The meeting also addressed the challenges facing the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman and the group’s plans to mitigate their effects. Moreover, the financial aspects of the group were reviewed, as well as the organizational, procedural, and legislative aspects between the group and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.


 The members of the committee praised the significant role that Omran Group plays in developing the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. They emphasized the importance of involving the private sector as a crucial and key driver for sector development and the need for a comprehensive plan to coordinate between Omran Group and travel and tourism offices. They also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and private companies operating in the sector.

 The meeting reviewed several of the group’s plans for developing various tourist sites across different regions and governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the company's plans for enhancing tourism guiding programs.

The meeting was chaired by H.E Abdullah Hamad Al-Harthi, head of the Committee and in the presence of their Excellencies members of the committee.