Oman- MoT sees traditional homes as cultural lodging options

5/9/2016 4:41:39 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

In an effort to provide authentic and engaging experience to visitors the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is keen to transform traditional houses into cultural lodging options.

Under the initiative these houses will showcase the rich Omani architecture and culture allowing the guests to live the traditional Omani way and explore the traditions handicrafts food and customs.

'This experience will also encourage local farmers to market their products' the ministry said. To discuss the project in detail the ministry will be holding a workshop 'Heritage Accommodation Initiative' at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nizwa on Monday. MoT said that it has worked closely with nine government entities to organise this session that aims to attract more investments by citizens in traditional accommodations.

'The sultanate is rich in heritage and culture and we are constantly working towards providing the most authentic and engaging experience to tourists. The traditional accommodation initiative will see different housing properties being transformed into cultural lodging options for tourists' stated the ministry.

The session will highlight the role of these authentic accommodations in giving tourists a unique experience that will showcase the local culture and lifestyle. MoT has called on owners of traditional homes as well as SMEs to join the session and explore the possibilities of collaboration to preserve and develop these properties while supporting the local economy.

The ministry hopes to more than double the number of international visitors over the next two decades as part of its 2040 Tourism Strategy which will be based on a cluster approach that will create a series of unique tourism experiences in different areas of Oman reflecting local culture and heritage. These clusters ten in number will be developed over the next ten to 15 years to become mini destinations in their own right.

Based around the coastal experience of Musandam Hajar Mountains the frankincense trail in Salalah culture in Muscat and the deserts the clusters will have a mix of quality accommodation and varied experiences. By 2040 Oman aims to attract more than 5mn international visitors in addition to the same-day visitors and domestic tourists making tourism one of the most significant income generators in the sultanate at just over six per cent of the GDP.

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