Muscat: The Wilayat of Sur in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is preparing to celebrate its status as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2024 on January 1.
The Office of the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, in coordination with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, partners and relevant authorities, is gearing up to implement projects to enhance tourism, aesthetic and development potential of the wilayat .
Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Culture, said, “The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism at its 26th session in Doha in mid-December selected Wilayat of Sur as the capital of Arab tourism for the year 2024. It is a unique experience for this ancient wilayat to enhance its tourist attraction, organise various events, and ensure that this occasion will be useful to highlight its tourism potential, and revitalise the region and its surroundings.”
Al Mahrouqi added that the Wilayat of Sur is rich in historic and tourism components, cultural and heritage components that make it attractive for tourists from inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman. He hoped that “we will be able to add positives to strengthen the status of this wilayat, which is rich in natural elements.”
“There is a plan to develop areas adjacent to the city that will be announced in the near future after the issuance of the ministerial decision designating Wadi Shab area in the Niyabat of Tiwi in the Wilayat of Sur as a tourist destination based on the approval of the Council of Ministers. “
“The consultation process is ongoing to create many facilities to enhance tourist experiences in the region.”
He said, “During the next two months, coinciding with the celebration of the Wilayat of Sur as the capital of Arab tourism, consulting services will be assigned to the Maritime History Museum in Sur. We hope that it will be completed within two years.”