Shura Council Hosts Minister of Heritage and Tourism

Muscat, 24 Mar (ONA) --- The Shura Council today hosted Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during its 8th regular session of the 2nd sitting of the 10th Term.

The session dealt with the ministry's statement on its policies, plans and programmes, overall tourism development indicators, heritage sector management, tourism sector management and human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors, as well as areas of coordination and prospects of investment.

The session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council.

The minister said that total tourism production grew from RO 1.8 billion in 2019 to RO 2 billion in 2023. He explained that the direct added value of tourism increased from RO 873 million in 2019 to RO 1 billion in 2023.

He added that indicators show that the contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will reach 3.5 percent by 2030, supported by ongoing investments that amount to approximately RO 3 billion, in addition to investments being prepared in different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

Speaking about domestic tourism, the minister pointed out that the number of local visitors increased from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023, while the volume of domestic tourism spending grew from RO 732 million in 2019 to RO 830 million in 2023.

He affirmed that the Ministry is taking steps to establish, develop and renovate tourist destinations in accordance with the Royal directives.

---Ends/Bishara/AG