This year, Muscat was declared as the capital of Arab culture. What are your plans to promote the city?

The declaration of Muscat as the capital of Arab culture coincided with the Ministry of Tourism’s intense efforts to promote cultural tourism because of our vibrant cultural heritage and prominent historical sites spread in most of the wilayats of the sultanate. The logo promoting Muscat is printed on all the ministry’s publications. Moreover, the coming season of Al Felaij Castle Theatre, starting in October 2006, will also witness intensive programmes promoting Muscat as capital of Arab culture.

Are any new foreign investors setting up tourism - related projects in the Sultanate?

The Sultanate offers very lucrative package of incentives and concessions for private investors, both domestic and foreign. The latest of these incentives is the granting of real estate ownership to foreigners in integrated tourism complexes. A Royal Decree was issued in February this year. This package is continuously reviewed and its impact is evaluated and, if need be, appropriate changes made.

Which new areas are being developed as tourist centers?

In our endeavour to encourage and attract private sector investment in the tourism sector, the ministry is designating a number of locations and sites for this purpose. Areas already identified, though depending on the availability of tourism potentials in each of them, are:

• Al Rawdha masterplan in Wilayat of Mahdah in Al Dhahirah region.
• The costal zone at Wilayat Khasab in Musandam Governorate.
• Al Khiran area in Muscat.
• Al-Jabal Akdhar and Jabal Shams.
• Ras Al Hadd area and Al Sharqiya Sands in Wilayat of Sur.
• The costal road connecting Quriyat and Sur.
• The area extending from Kun Soli to Khur Taqa in Dhofar governorate.
• Hayut, Harf and Zigy areas.

In addition, surveys and investigations are being carried out in other areas with the aim of identifying promising locations for tourism projects.

Are the procedures for permissions and allotment of land for projects being simplified?

The procedures for allotment of land, whether the land sold on the basis of a sale for investors, have already been simplified and the period for getting the licence is reasonably short. The ministry is also studying the setting up of a one-stop shop to make these procedures simpler and faster.

Is any date set for inaugurating the Blue City project in Barka?

The date is tentatively set for the end of 2010. This, of course, depends on the progress of the work.

Is there enough accommodation available for tourists in all principal tourist destinations of the country?
The superstructure of the Sultanate’s tourism sector has witnessed dramatic development during the past few years. At the end of 2005 there were additional 153 hotels with the total the number of hotels reaching more than 7000. Barr al Jissa Resort and Spa in Muscat, which was officially commissioned in February 2006, will add 680 rooms. The new ones like the Blue City, Yiti beach resort, both in Muscat, Shinas resort in Al Batinah region, The Wave in Seeb/Al Azaiba in Muscat and other resorts in Salalah will increase the number of hotel rooms.

What role will airlines like Oman Air and Gulf Air play towards promoting tourism?

It is a well known fact in tourism that ease of access to tourist destinations is a critical factor in promoting tourism. Discussions and meetings with the management of Oman Air and Gulf Air for expanding their direct flight services to and from major cities and towns in Europe, Asia and Americas are held on continuous basis. These two airlines are fully aware of the mutual benefits of direct flights. Discussions with international airlines have also been active and, consequently, we hope we will witness some positive results.

Will Omanis be trained as tourist guides in popular places of tourist interest?
Training Omanis in different tourism fields is of prime concern for the ministry in order to comply with the national objective of enhancing employment opportunities for Omani labour force. The training of Omanis as guides is high on our list of priorities, and plans are being worked out to provide a good number of knowledgeable and well-trained Omanis at prominent historical and heritage sites. For now, the ministry has introduced electronic guides at both Forts of Jabrin and Al Hisn.

As for infrastructure, are any new road projects undertaken for easy access to tourist spots?

The ministry’s policy is to provide infrastructure up to the boundaries of areas where the projects have been approved. The development of infrastructure inside the project areas is left to the investors. These infrastructure projects include not only roads but also lighting, electricity, water, public toilets and essential services.

Any new projects planned for Salalah, which is the main magnet for tourists from the GCC as well as other foreign countries?
The Governorate of Dhofar is one of the most promising tourism areas of the Sultanate. The current seventh five-year plan includes a number of tourism projects that will be implemented by both the government and the private sector. The most important of these projects include resorts and tourist facilities in Salalah, Mirbat, Shaa, Aftiliqat, Al Swoda Island and Al Shumiya, to name but a few.