Dakhliyah governorate signs US$10.4M development agreements to enhance tourism

OMANDakhliyah governorate has signed agreements totaling over OMR 4 million (US$10.4 million) to enhance public services and support tourism and economic development.

Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, signed several important agreements on January 14, including a project aimed at improving traffic flow and expanding parking facilities at Nizwa Souq.

This initiative is designed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and boost both economic and tourism activities at the market.

In the wilayat of Al Hamra, the Misfat al Abriyeen neighborhood will undergo significant transformation.

The project will feature the construction of a glass bridge connecting the entrance to the valley area, along with a new walkway that includes a pedestrian safety barrier.

Heritage lighting will also be installed, while paths will be paved and signboards with maps added to improve accessibility.

In addition, parking facilities will be developed to enhance services in the area, positioning it as a more attractive tourist destination.

Another key project involves the rehabilitation of Bahla Souq, one of Oman’s oldest markets. The initiative includes upgrading the market’s facades, ceilings, and corridors while preserving its historical charm.

Seating areas and toilets will also be added to further enhance the visitor experience.

Additionally, agreements were made for the construction of internal roads in Nizwa, which aim to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the area.

These initiatives reflect Dakhliyah’s commitment to sustainable development, as the governorate seeks to improve infrastructure while maintaining its cultural identity.

The aim is to strengthen the region’s position as a prominent economic and tourism hub.

In a related development, Oman’s hospitality sector has shown positive growth, with revenues from three to five-star hotels rising by 4.9% by the end of November 2024.

This revenue growth corresponds with a 3.9% increase in the total number of hotel guests, reaching 1,929,485 by November 2024, compared to 1,857,729 in 2023. The occupancy rate also saw a slight increase of 1.5%, rising to 48.7% from 47.9% during the same period last year.

Omani visitors made up the largest share of hotel guests, increasing by 4.9% to 739,406. The number of visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries grew marginally by 0.1% to 182,408.

Other Arab visitors experienced the most significant rise, up 12.4% to 95,586. European visitors also increased by 4.7% to 466,827. Guests from the Americas rose by 4.3%, totaling 53,813, while African guests increased by 6.4% to 11,108.

Visitors from Asia grew by 4.8% to 277,627, though guests from Oceania declined by 30%, dropping to 28,038.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.

Newer Post

Thumbnail for Dakhliyah governorate signs US$10.4M development agreements to enhance tourism

Burma Burma secures US$2.94M in equity funding to fuel expansion plans, targets IPO by 2027

Older Post

Thumbnail for Dakhliyah governorate signs US$10.4M development agreements to enhance tourism

Chick-fil-A to make debut in Northern Ireland with two locations

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *