Muscat – Ten integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) are being planned in the sultanate, according to H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 18th edition of the Oman Design and Build Week, H E Mahrouqi said, “The ministry plans to build ITCs with the aim of developing the tourism sector as well as providing investment opportunities and housing solutions.”

He added that the ITCs will include hotels and entertainment centres. “These will attract foreign investment, enhance the national economy, and create tourist destinations.”

On the management of the complexes, he said Oman has good legislation for the management of ITCs and there is coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to implement regulations related to real estate and its development in all governorates of the sultanate.

On the role of the private sector in preserving and showcasing Oman’s architectural heritage, H E Mahrouqi said the sultanate has a successful model to leverage the architectural heritage in promoting tourism. “We have success stories in Nizwa and Misfat al Abreyeen in Dakhliyah. We hope that this model will expand to the other governorates through partnerships with the private sector. We invite developers to initiate such projects as these serve the architectural heritage and tangible and intangible heritage.”

He added that a balance between tradition and heritage, and urban development will help achieve sustainability of Oman’s architectural heritage, provide job opportunities and create exceptional experiences for tourists.

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