Oman Launches RO15mn Governorate Tourism Initiative To Spur Economic Growth

Oman has unveiled a strategic initiative named 'Governorate Tourism’, dedicating an investment of RO15mn by 2025 to invigorate the tourism sector across its regions. This announcement was made at the 'Governorates Economics Forum 2024’, which commenced on Wednesday and was graced by H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth.

The forum saw the introduction of the 'Governorates' Competitiveness Index’, a strategic tool designed to steer investments and pinpoint developmental priorities, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The Vision aims to stimulate the national economy and enhance the economic and social outcomes of development projects. Additionally, an exhibition named 'Development Experiences in the Governorates and Successful Models of Projects’ was explored by H H Sayyid Theyazin, which displayed the growth of the Governorate Development Programme, outlining its competitive advantages, strategic projects, and ongoing and future initiatives.

H.E. Dr Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, announced the launch of the Governorate Tourism initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. He emphasized that this initiative would boost the tourism sector by capitalizing on the distinct features of each governorate, supporting local communities, aiding small and medium enterprises, and generating employment opportunities.

Highlighting the alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the tenth five-year plan, H E Dr Saqri noted that this move towards enhancing decentralization and developing governorates is aimed at supporting economic diversification, broadening growth, and creating sustainable job prospects by focusing on sectors pivotal to economic diversification.

In his address, H E Dr Saqri also discussed the government's accomplishments over the past four years, including significant strides in improving financial stability, a crucial element for achieving the objectives of Vision 2040. He elaborated on the efforts to propel economic diversification through dual strategies: the improvement of macroeconomic indicators and the enhancement of national competitiveness, in conjunction with promoting comprehensive economic and social development through decentralization and the advancement of the governorates' economies.

Furthermore, H E Dr Saqri shed light on the impact of allocating RO20mn under Royal Directives for each governorate, which has led to a significant leap in initiating new projects. He stated, “The state's general budget now includes annual allocations that support impactful projects, directly improving the livelihoods of citizens across all governorates and fostering social and economic well-being.” This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the tourism landscape of Oman, contributing to the country's economic and social development.