400,000 Tourists reach to heritage sites

MUSCAT: The number of visitors to Oman’s heritage sites is expected to touch 400,000 this year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Last year’s figure was 319,136. This is because of two major factors. First, the development of archaeological sites and making them accessible to tourists via guides and various related services. The second: promotions campaigns carried out by the ministry locally and abroad. The ministry maintains more than 54 archaeological sites, including forts. It has entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Heritage & Culture to transfer heritage sites that have already been restored to the Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism has made great strides in development and preparation of forts in various governorates. This has been possible due to the cooperation with the authorities of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, besides the involvement of local community. A specialised consulting company was hired to activate tourism movement at the historical sites. An example is the Khasab Fort, which won an award for the year 2010, besides Al Hazm Fort in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, Nakhl Fort, Nizwa Fort and Jibreen Fort, Bait Rudaidah Fort in Birkat al Mauz in the Wilayat of Nizwa in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Mirbat Fort, Muttrah Fort, Barka Fort, Al Numan Fort and Sinaislah Fort, which were developed to showcase Omani civilisation.

These forts have been restored while preserving their heritage characteristics, which lets the tourists learn about the various components of each of these heritage sites, practices and traditions, and local history. Small and medium enterprises play a key role in contributing to the development of historical sites as these establishments have future aspirations to invest in some of these sites, which are supervised by the Ministry of Tourism. For example, a small and medium enterprise recently managed the Nizwa Fort in coordination with the authorities concerned. This has a positive impact in sharing responsibilities in managing this historical fort in a more innovative manner to attract tourists. They organised various types of activities to make this site a major attraction for tourists.

Witness to history

There are many heritage sites throughout Oman. When tourists reach the capital Muscat, they see the Muttrah Fort and its history. Bait Muqham Fort in Bausher attracts them with its deep-rooted history. A little far away is the Qurayat Fort that attracts tourists from world over.

Al Hazm and Al Rustaq forts are located in Al Rustaq, Al Batinah South Governorate. These are not far from the beautiful Nakhl Fort.

Barka is known for its well-known forts, namely Al Numan and Barka. There is a huge castle in Al Musannah.

Saham and Shinas forts are located in Al Batinah North. Al Suwaiq has a number of forts, including Tharmad and Al Suwaiq, besides Soor al Hilal and Soor al Mughabsha walls.

There is also the Al Suhailah fort in Suhar, and Fazah and Liwa forts in Liwa. There is also a fort in Al Khabourah. There are many forts in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

They include the magnificent Nizwa and Beit Al Rudaidah forts. The beauty of Omani architecture is seen in Jibreen Fort.

Samayil, Beit al Khubar and Beit Al Sarooj forts are most attractive for tourists. There is a pre-Islam fort, called the Bahla Fort. Another tourist attraction is the Bidbid Fort.

In the Al Buraimi Governorate, there are the Hilla, Khandaq, Beit al Nidd and Mirjab forts, which are connected to the local maritime history.

Musandam Governorate has some important forts: Khasab Kammazarah, Bukha and Daba. In Al Dhahirah Governorate, there are four forts: Ibri, Iraqi, Beit al Marrah and Al Mamour.

There are not less than 10 forts and castles in the Al Sharqiyah Governorate. At its north are Al Rawdhah and Al Akhdhar forts. There are three castles known as Beit Khubaib, Beit al Yahmadi and al Muntarib. To the south are five forts: Bilad Sur, Sinaislah, Eijah, Jalan Bani Bu Hasan and Ras al Hadd. In the Dhofar Governorate, there are four forts that compete with each other: Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah and Kut Hamran.