New royal decree to boost Oman’s 2040 tourism plan

Thanks to a new decree granting tax exemptions for tourism projects in Musandam, plans are underway to introduce more than 30 plots of land to investors according to the Minister of Tourism.

Ahmed Al Mahrazi, Minister of Tourism said that the Ministry currently has several plots in the governorate which it will offer to investors.

“The Ministry of Tourism owns 32 tourist land plots in Musandam and has applied for an additional 16 for investment. These will be presented to tourism investors as soon as the procedures are completed,” He Al Mahrazi said.

Ahmed Al Mahrazi, Minister of Tourism. - File picture

Praising His Majesty’s decision to provide exemptions from duties and taxes for new tourism projects in Musandam Governorate which came into effect on 1 June, the minister added: “The Royal Decree will accelerate tourism investments. The ministry will put the orders into effect which will enhance investment within the tourism sector in the governorate.” “Musandam’s development strategy for 2040, aims to increase the number of tourists from 300,000 to 1. 2 million by 2040. In order to achieve this goal, it requires new tourism investments to accommodate the growing tourism movement in the governorate,” the Minister said.

Ministry of Tourism



“The Ministry of Tourism has selected Musandam as one of its priorities in the development of sustainable tourism in accordance with the Omani strategy,” the minister added.

Raed Al Shehhi, a member of the Board of Directors at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and head of its Musandam branch, praised the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos saying that “Now, a significant improvement in the tourism services and activities can be seen around the corner. All this will eventually improve living standards in the governorate. It is expected that this major decision will help increase the number of tourists coming to the governorate and support the efforts to achieve the objectives of Musandam 2040”.
 

Al Shehhi said that the visa alternatives for the area should be looked into: “Due to the geographic location of the governorate, the idea of issuing arrival visas to all nationalities coming through the sea and air entry points should be looked into. It would increase tourism and encourage air carriers and shipping companies in this sector.”

“A joint visa facility with the United Arab Emirates can also be an idea to encourage joint tourism,” Al Shehhi pointed out.

Al Shehhi called upon investors to develop value-added tourism projects which can support increased tourism, “Musandam has lots of natural elements to attract tourists from the Sultanate and neighbouring countries. The governorate is a wonderful destination for tourists who are looking to relax and enjoy nature.”