NIZWA: A new experiential tourism initiative in Nizwa, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is showcasing how small-scale investments can create diversified tourism offerings while supporting local communities.
The “Neem Camp” project, with an investment exceeding RO 250,000, focuses on immersive tourism experiences that allow visitors to participate directly in traditional activities rather than simply observe them. Activities include caring for animals, learning traditional wool-spinning techniques, producing handicrafts, preparing Omani meals, extracting natural oils from local plants, and exploring surrounding mountain landscapes.
Project organisers say the concept reflects the growing global demand for experiential tourism, where travellers seek authentic cultural engagement and educational experiences. By combining heritage-based activities with outdoor exploration, the initiative aims to attract both domestic and international visitors looking for interactive travel experiences rooted in local traditions.
The project also seeks to generate sustainable economic benefits for the surrounding community by creating employment opportunities and supporting local artisans, productive families, and small-scale suppliers. Handcrafted products produced during visitor workshops are sold on site, helping create additional income streams linked to tourism.
Neem Camp previously secured first place in the governorate track of a national innovation programme that promotes practical solutions addressing sectoral challenges. Its organisers say the model can be replicated in other regions, adapting activities to each area’s environmental and cultural characteristics, including coastal, desert, agricultural, and mountain settings.
Tourism stakeholders note that such initiatives complement larger hospitality investments by diversifying visitor experiences and encouraging longer stays in inland destinations, strengthening the overall tourism value chain.
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