Thursday 19 / September / 2024
Nizwa: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism seeks to invest in guest houses to enhance the revenue and diversify income sources of people in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
The statistics issued by the heritage and tourism department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate show that the total number of heritage inns up to the end of the first half of current year are 17 units, the number of green inns are 16 while the number of guest houses are 31.
Ali bin Saif Al Shukali, the assistant director of heritage and tourism department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said that the heritage inns with their tourism activities are showcasing tourists Omani lifestyle of the past and the present in the countryside and urban areas.
The green inns provide an opportunity to the tourist to live among Omani farms and be acquainted with the lifestyle of the Omani farmers, which is a mix between the old and modern life.
He added that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is looking after these facilities by supervising the renovations and maintenance work to be used as heritage hotels.
These offer income opportunities for Omani youth, he said, adding that in the Wilayat of Al Hamra and Wilayat of Nizwa there are heritage establishments, all of which are managed by the local community and by ambitious young Omanis.
He pointed out that the guest houses are competing in the market with other hotel establishments as they are providing a family atmosphere and privacy in view of their simple type mixed with the comprehensive services including luxury and family recreation.
The Assistant Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate explained that the Ministry is studying the applications submitted for the establishment of green and heritage inns and guest houses based on the market needs to balance the supply and demand.
The ministry is also reviewing the architectural engineering of these projects to be compatible with the hotel establishments and to enable them to compete in the market to achieve sustainability.
