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Sur gears up as Arab Tourism Capital for 2024

31 Dec 2023 Sur gears up as Arab Tourism Capital for 2024 By

Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in coordination with the Governor of South Sharqiyah, is gearing up to start a series of events, activities and programmes in the wilayat of Sur from January 1 in celebration of becoming the Arab Tourism Capital for the year 2024.

H E Salim Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, described Sur as rich in culture, heritage and history, besides having the infrastructure to highlight and attract tourists from within and outside the sultanate. Tourism activities will further enhance the status of the wilayat.

He informed that there is a plan to develop areas adjacent to Sur city. This follows the announcement of a ministerial decision in October after approval of the Council of Ministers designating Wadi Shab area in Tiwi as a tourist area. Consultations are currently being held for the scope of work in the area.

“Work will be assigned to create many facilities for diverse tourist experiences,” H E Mahrouqi said.

H E Salim Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism

“Coinciding with celebrations marking Sur being named Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, in the next two months consultation services will be assigned for the Maritime History Museum in Sur. We hope it will be completed within two years. Work will also be assigned to establish a visitors’ centre in Qalhat archaeological site, which is registered on the World Heritage List.”

He added that archaeological surveys, and excavation and restoration works of historical sites in Sur, including Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz, are ongoing.

Dr Yahya bin Badr al Ma’awali, Governor of South Sharqiyah, described Sur as deserving of the title of Arab Tourism Capital owing to its historical, cultural and social heritage, besides infrastructure to showcase these.

With elevation to Arab Tourism Capital, Sur will be able to assert its place on the global tourism map.

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