Oman's Ministry of Tourism (OMT) has re-tendered the masterplan contract to improve Hoota Caves, a popular tourist attraction in Oman.
The project was initially tendered in March 2014.
The caves are located at the foot of Jabal Shams, Al Hamra district and estimated to be over two million years old.
The natural cave formation consists of stalactites and stalagmites; some of the columns and curtains were formed over a million years ago.
However, all structures have softened due to rain.
"The Ministry is exploring options to protect the cave from damages caused by rain," said the spokesperson for OMT in an exclusive to Zawya.
The project is part of the larger Oman Tourism Development Plan.
Interested 'specialized' grade companies can purchase the bid documents for USD 195 (OMR 75) until 22 May, 2014.
The final date for tender submission is 18 June, 2014 and should include a bank guarantee worth 1 percent of the quoted value.
The Hoota Caves is the first and only cave in the Gulf open to the public and also the first to introduce an electric train service for tourists in the region.
"The Ministry is still studying options of whether to have investors or the government manage the caves," added the official.
© Zawya 2014
