Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is in the process of formulating new plans to make Oman a unique tourism destination.

In the first phase of the plans, the ministry is developing tourist sites in the governorates of Muscat, Dakhliyah, South Sharqiyah, Dhofar and Musandam, which will be followed by the remaining governorates.

According to H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the plans include implementation of priority projects in accordance with the current needs of the tourism market. These form part of the recovery plan.

Muscat Daily asked its readers which tourist sites they would like to see developed with better amenities. Here is what they said:

Reema Bhatia
Teacher
Although domestic tourism has been high on the agenda, many tourist hotspots are bereft of basic facilities. Most of the beautiful destinations are not equipped for tourists as they lack adequate basic facilities like shops, washrooms, cafes, sitting areas etc. Popular attractions like Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Hoqain, Nakhal, Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi lack facilities and the attention they deserve. We have to choose between expensive five-star hotels and the very basic ones; there doesn’t seem to be much in between. This gap must be filled. Convenience stores and small cafeterias are not enough to cater to the holiday crowd. Additionally, there should be theme-based entertainment options to attract tourists. Lots of indoor recreational facilities like theme parks or fun sports are needed.

Jay Prakash
Private sector employee
Wadi al Arbeen and Wadi Shab should be developed in such a way that common people can reach there easily. The Tomb of Bibi Mariam and the Bat Beehive Tombs are significant archaeological and UNESCO sites. Entry tickets/fees to such sites should be subsidised as an incentive so that students and commoners are encouraged to understand the rich history of Oman.

Khalid al Busaidi
Businessman
Reasonably priced hotels should be set up in places of interest. In Muscat, there are options, but if one goes to the interiors, there are very limited or only expensive options. The government needs look into this urgently.

Sameer Khan
Accountant
There are many places in the country to enjoy, however there must be washrooms and changing rooms near seashores. Also, there should be clear markings for camping and non-camping sites.

Abdullah Hinai
Tourist guide
Oman is a country with several inbound tourism options. Here there are wadis, mountains, deserts and waterfalls. However, there haven’t been enough developments in these areas. Oman has lovely places and it is high time we capitalised on these.

Salman Balushi
Private sector employee
First and foremost there must be proper guides for every tourist site. Often people with almost no or little knowledge of these places become part-time guides. Also, there must be an institute for local guides as they are the backbone of inbound tourism.