Muscat, The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inked an agreement with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) for the management and operation of Bahla Fort and Oasis in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah.
The step comes within the efforts of enriching sustainable tourism development in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.
The agreement was signed by Eng. Ibrahim Said Al Kharusi, the ministry’s Undersecretary for Heritage Affairs, and Eng. Mohammed Salim Al Busaidi, OMRAN’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.
As per the agreement, OMRAN Group will manage Bahla Fort and Oasis for a period of 15 years, including the internal and external areas of the site.
Al Kharusi said that Bahla Fort holds a unique place in Oman’s rich history as it is the first historical landmark in Oman to be included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1987. The site is considered as one of the main cultural and heritage destinations that attracts visitors and tourists from across the world.
He added that this agreement will aid the growth of the tourism industry by being a key contributor to the national economy. Based on the position of Bahla Fort as a unique cultural and historical landmark, the collaboration with OMRAN Group is a step that will further support the management and promotion of major historical and cultural sites. It will attract more visitors from Oman and beyond.
On his turn, Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group said that this agreement embodies the successes accomplished by the OMRAN Group in managing and operating many heritage, geological and environmental sites. The Group plays a strategic role in creating new tourism experiences and products in collaboration with the private sector. The objective is to maximize the economic and social returns as well as innovatively promoting the cultural and natural treasures of Oman.
This collaboration is expected to improve the operational aspects of the historical site. As a result, the OMRAN Group will collaborate with SMEs in operating operational the Bahla Fort and Oasis facilities, which is in line with the group’s efforts in boosting In-country value (ICV). The operational scope of this partnership will entail providing tourist experiences of the fort and the area surrounding the oasis through the development of facilities and services, as well as incorporating the rich heritage and cultural characteristics of the Wilayat of Bahla, Al Busaidi added.
Source: Oman News Agency