MUSCAT -- The Ministry of Tourism represented by the tourism department in Al Wusta and Al Dakhiliyah governorates yesterday launched a tourism campaign in the Wilayat of Al Duqm under the title 'Discover the Beauty.' The move comes as part of the ministry's efforts aimed at stimulating domestic tourism and promoting the natural and geological potential of Al Duqm. The event includes cultural, sports and recreational activities as well as exploration tours across the wilayat.
Duqm is currently at the centre of a major development to establish itself as a commercial, industrial and tourism centre in the Wusta Governorate. The developments include an international airport and expansion of the docks with the goal of attracting businesses and holidaymakers. Omran, the Sultanate's premier tourism-related investment, development and management company, has invested around RO 50 million in two hotels.
The 4-star Duqm Crowne Plaza Hotel will be managed by parent company, the InterContinental Hotels Group. The property features 213 rooms which includes 16 junior suites. The strategy to develop a 4-star hotel at Duqm, Oman's fastest growing new city close to the new sea harbour, airport and industrial zone, is to support it to become a city in its own right like Sohar; giving employment to local communities.
With its strategic location between Muscat and Salalah and additionally in the Indian Ocean, Duqm has the potential to take away the risks of oil and gas shipment compared to ports located in the Straits of Hormuz.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
