Monday 20 / January / 2025
There is significant interest in investing in green inns, which are considered a suitable option for accommodation and relaxation.
Green inns provide a source of income for citizens interested in investing in this sector.
Green inns represent an integrated approach to sustainable tourism development and are one of the key pillars of rural eco-tourism.
Green inn projects in natural and rural areas contribute to the development of local communities and support related economic activities.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has stated that the number of licenced green inns in the Sultanate of Oman reached 153 by the end of 2024. These inns are distributed across various governorates, with South Al Batinah ranking first in terms of the highest number, followed by Al Dhahirah.
The Ministry affirmed that its upcoming plans aim to align with the goals for the heritage and tourism sector under Oman Vision 2040. It is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the strategies and programmes related to the vision’s objectives, comparing them with achieved statistical indicators to ensure the successful implementation of tourism initiatives. By addressing the needs of the next phase and keeping pace with global developments across all fields, one of the Ministry’s key plans for green inns focuses on improving the quality of approval procedures for establishing these inns. This involves collaboration with relevant authorities and emphasising the quality, diversity, and sustainability of the project components.
Ahmed bin Khamis Al Saadi, Director of the Investor Services Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated, “Green inns are increasingly popular with both tourists and investors. They are a suitable option for accommodation and relaxation for individuals and families, given the unique tourism experiences they offer. Additionally, they serve as a source of income for citizens wishing to invest in this sector.”
Special standards for green inns
Al-Saadi explained that a set of specific standards for green inns is currently being developed in collaboration with relevant authorities. These standards are designed to match the scale and momentum of the tourism movement in the Sultanate of Oman, ensuring the necessary regulations and requirements are met. This will guarantee a high-quality experience for visitors. He added that in the future, these inns could be classified based on their available facilities, the activities they provide, sustainability practices, and adherence to quality standards. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance the green inn sector.
Easier licencing procedures
Al Saadi further noted that the Ministry has ensured the licencing fees for green inns are lower compared to other hospitality activities, with a fee of OMR250 for a five-year licence. The Ministry also coordinates with financial institutions to support project owners when required. Additionally, it collaborates with relevant authorities to simplify the licensing procedures, encouraging potential investors to engage in this activity.
Integrated approach to tourism development
Al Saadi highlighted that, since the launch of eco-lodges, heritage inns, and guesthouses in the first quarter of 2015, the MHT has conducted a series of awareness workshops in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. These workshops were held in collaboration with relevant entities to promote these tourism products and encourage citizens to invest in them. Additionally, the Ministry has provided activity requirements on its website to make it easier for stakeholders to access the regulations and licensing conditions.
Eco-lodges, he stressed, are a unique type of hospitality activity that represents an integrated approach to sustainable tourism development. They stand out due to their exceptional components, making them one of the key pillars of rural eco-tourism and an additional attraction for visitors.
Supporting local communities
Al Saadi emphasised that eco-lodge projects in natural and rural areas play a significant role in developing local communities. They provide employment opportunities for citizens and activate other supporting economic activities. The involvement of local communities extends to offering accompanying services such as preparing traditional Omani cuisine, selling handicrafts and local products, and encouraging small and medium enterprises to invest in the tourism sector. Moreover, these projects introduce new attractions and interactive tourist experiences, fostering a connection between visitors and the local environment while boosting the local economy.
Unique and diverse experience
He noted that eco-lodges should provide a distinctive and diverse experience that combines observing crops, animals, and birds with engaging in interactive activities. These activities may include farming processes, cooking, rural games, and crafting agricultural or artisanal products. Eco-lodges often feature locally produced goods and crops, further enhancing the visitor experience.
These lodges, he explained, form an essential part of rural and agricultural tourism, a sector that enjoys significant governmental attention. The approach aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises developing the tourism industry as a vital component of the hospitality sector. One key aspect of this development is encouraging farmers to invest in transforming their farms into tourism projects offering exceptional services and unique visitor experiences. Initiatives include showcasing best practices in environmental sustainability and fostering innovation in this sector.
Adopting more sustainable practices
Al Saadi added that sustainability is a vital concept in the modern business world. Many are moving towards adopting more sustainable practices to protect the environment while balancing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This includes using renewable and eco-friendly resources, promoting social responsibility, raising awareness about sustainability issues, and implementing mandatory regulations and laws to achieve sustainability in eco-lodges.
The Ministry is also working on increasing greenery, introducing projects that support sustainability, and maximising financial returns. Examples include beekeeping, nurseries, culinary arts, ornamental birds, recreational activities, eco-friendly farming methods, and introducing small-scale animal farming within these lodges.
Challenges in the sector
Al Saadi acknowledged that investing in eco-lodges faces several challenges, such as urban sprawl reducing green spaces, discouraging potential investors. Other issues include the scarcity of natural resources due to the drying up of some traditional water channels (aflaj) and soil salinity.
To address these challenges, the Ministry is raising awareness among consumers and investors about the environmental impact of the products and services they use. This approach aims to increase demand for projects that follow sustainability policies. Furthermore, the Ministry has observed a repetition in the designs of eco-lodges and a lack of modern models that ensure sustainability. To overcome this, it is working on unifying governmental efforts to establish specifications and regulations that enhance investment in eco-lodges.
