The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman has clarified that signing usufruct agreements across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman contributes to the development of the tourism sector and enhances the quality of the tourism experience, as part of efforts to boost tourism investments and achieve sustainable development goals. The ministry affirmed that it is working under a national investment program aimed at attracting private investments worth OMR3 billion ($7.8 billion) during the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). So far, investments worth OMR2.59 billion ($6.7 billion) have been secured, with a focus on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and ensuring their integration into tourism value chains, Oman’s News Agency (ONA) reported.
The ministry noted that from the beginning of last year (2024) until the end of May this year, 45 usufruct agreements were signed, including 14 contracts in the current year, to implement diverse tourism projects in several governorates. These projects include luxury eco-camps, hotels, and resorts of varying standards, all of which contribute to sector development and elevate Oman’s tourism experience.
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Diversifying Oman’s tourism investment map
Amira Iqbal Al Lawati, director general of Tourism Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these projects aim to enhance Oman’s tourism investment map by geographically and functionally diversifying tourism offerings and expanding economic and social benefits. She emphasized that the projects go beyond traditional hotel stays by providing integrated tourism experiences that increase the appeal of destinations while supporting local communities through job creation and stimulating economic and social activities.
She affirmed that the Ministry views these projects as part of a comprehensive vision to balance supply and demand and accommodate the expected growth in domestic and international tourism. These initiatives contribute to the goals of the integrated tourism development plan by increasing hotel room capacity, improving service quality, and enriching tourist experiences across various segments, including ecotourism, mountain tourism, and adventure tourism.
The Director General of Tourism Development added that the Ministry believes tourism development cannot be achieved without genuine partnership with the private sector and ensuring citizens feel the impact of these projects through job opportunities and improved local services. She stressed that the Ministry continues to open new horizons for tourism investment through a range of facilitations, initiatives, and programs that ensure project sustainability, quality, and alignment with Omani identity, as well as environmental and social considerations.
