153 green inns licensed in Oman by 2024
Published: 03:01 PM,Jan 20,2025 | EDITED : 07:01 PM,Jan 20,2025
Set in natural and rural settings, these eco-lodges play a significant role in developing local communities.
BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, JAN 20
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has stated that the number of licensed green inns in the Sultanate of Oman reached 153 by the end of 2024. These inns are distributed across various governorates, with Al Batinah South ranking first in terms of the highest number, followed by Al Dhahirah.
The Ministry affirmed that its upcoming plans aim to align with the goals for the heritage and tourism sector under Oman Vision 2040.
It is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the strategies and programmes related to the vision’s objectives, comparing them with achieved statistical indicators to ensure the successful implementation of tourism initiatives.
By addressing the needs of the next phase and keeping pace with global developments across all fields, one of the Ministry’s key plans for green inns focuses on improving the quality of approval procedures for establishing these inns. This involves collaboration with relevant authorities and emphasising the quality, diversity, and sustainability of the project components.
Ahmed bin Khamis Al Saadi, Director of the Investor Services Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated, “Green inns are increasingly popular with both tourists and investors. They are a suitable option for accommodation and relaxation for individuals and families, given the unique tourism experiences they offer.
Additionally, they serve as a source of income for citizens wishing to invest in this sector.”
Al Saadi explained that a set of specific standards for green inns is currently being developed in collaboration with relevant authorities. These standards are designed to match the scale and momentum of the tourism movement in Oman, ensuring the necessary regulations and requirements are met. This will guarantee a high-quality experience for visitors.
He added that in the future, these inns could be classified based on their available facilities, the activities they provide, sustainability practices, and adherence to quality standards. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance the green inn sector.
Easier Licensing Procedures
Al Saadi further noted that the Ministry has ensured the licensing fees for green inns are lower compared to other hospitality activities, with a fee of RO 250 for a five-year licence. The Ministry also coordinates with financial institutions to support project owners when required. Additionally, it collaborates with relevant authorities to simplify the licensing procedures, encouraging potential investors to engage in this activity.
Al Saadi highlighted that, since the launch of eco-lodges, heritage inns, and guesthouses in the first quarter of 2015, the MHT has conducted a series of awareness workshops in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
These workshops were held in collaboration with relevant entities to promote these tourism products and encourage citizens to invest in them.
Additionally, the Ministry has provided activity requirements on its website to make it easier for stakeholders to access the regulations and licensing conditions.
Eco-lodges, he stressed, are a unique type of hospitality activity that represents an integrated approach to sustainable tourism development. They stand out due to their exceptional components, making them one of the key pillars of rural eco-tourism and an additional attraction for visitors.
Supporting Local Communities
Al Saadi emphasised that eco-lodge projects in natural and rural areas play a significant role in developing local communities. They provide employment opportunities for citizens and activate other supporting economic activities. The involvement of local communities extends to offering accompanying services such as preparing traditional Omani cuisine, selling handicrafts and local products, and encouraging small and medium enterprises to invest in the tourism sector.
He noted that eco-lodges should provide a distinctive and diverse experience that combines observing crops, animals, and birds with engaging in interactive activities. These activities may include farming processes, cooking, rural games, and crafting agricultural or artisanal products. Eco-lodges often feature locally produced goods and crops, further enhancing the visitor experience.
MUSCAT, JAN 20
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has stated that the number of licensed green inns in the Sultanate of Oman reached 153 by the end of 2024. These inns are distributed across various governorates, with Al Batinah South ranking first in terms of the highest number, followed by Al Dhahirah.
The Ministry affirmed that its upcoming plans aim to align with the goals for the heritage and tourism sector under Oman Vision 2040.
It is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the strategies and programmes related to the vision’s objectives, comparing them with achieved statistical indicators to ensure the successful implementation of tourism initiatives.
By addressing the needs of the next phase and keeping pace with global developments across all fields, one of the Ministry’s key plans for green inns focuses on improving the quality of approval procedures for establishing these inns. This involves collaboration with relevant authorities and emphasising the quality, diversity, and sustainability of the project components.
Ahmed bin Khamis Al Saadi, Director of the Investor Services Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated, “Green inns are increasingly popular with both tourists and investors. They are a suitable option for accommodation and relaxation for individuals and families, given the unique tourism experiences they offer.
Additionally, they serve as a source of income for citizens wishing to invest in this sector.”
Al Saadi explained that a set of specific standards for green inns is currently being developed in collaboration with relevant authorities. These standards are designed to match the scale and momentum of the tourism movement in Oman, ensuring the necessary regulations and requirements are met. This will guarantee a high-quality experience for visitors.
He added that in the future, these inns could be classified based on their available facilities, the activities they provide, sustainability practices, and adherence to quality standards. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance the green inn sector.
Easier Licensing Procedures
Al Saadi further noted that the Ministry has ensured the licensing fees for green inns are lower compared to other hospitality activities, with a fee of RO 250 for a five-year licence. The Ministry also coordinates with financial institutions to support project owners when required. Additionally, it collaborates with relevant authorities to simplify the licensing procedures, encouraging potential investors to engage in this activity.
Al Saadi highlighted that, since the launch of eco-lodges, heritage inns, and guesthouses in the first quarter of 2015, the MHT has conducted a series of awareness workshops in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
These workshops were held in collaboration with relevant entities to promote these tourism products and encourage citizens to invest in them.
Additionally, the Ministry has provided activity requirements on its website to make it easier for stakeholders to access the regulations and licensing conditions.
Eco-lodges, he stressed, are a unique type of hospitality activity that represents an integrated approach to sustainable tourism development. They stand out due to their exceptional components, making them one of the key pillars of rural eco-tourism and an additional attraction for visitors.
Supporting Local Communities
Al Saadi emphasised that eco-lodge projects in natural and rural areas play a significant role in developing local communities. They provide employment opportunities for citizens and activate other supporting economic activities. The involvement of local communities extends to offering accompanying services such as preparing traditional Omani cuisine, selling handicrafts and local products, and encouraging small and medium enterprises to invest in the tourism sector.
He noted that eco-lodges should provide a distinctive and diverse experience that combines observing crops, animals, and birds with engaging in interactive activities. These activities may include farming processes, cooking, rural games, and crafting agricultural or artisanal products. Eco-lodges often feature locally produced goods and crops, further enhancing the visitor experience.