In Oman, tourists can get a truly local experience: Minister

In Oman, tourists can get a truly local experience: Minister

Muscat: The Middle East region is witnessing huge growth in the tourism sector and therefore it requires huge investment, Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi. Minister of Heritage and Tourism told the Observer ahead of the 50th UN Regional Tourism Commission meeting.He added, "We want to ensure that we'll have sustainable means and provide accessibility to investors to participate and build the sector that will benefit the countries and their national economies through social benefits and job opportunities. Challenges we face in the sector are opportunities in disguise."The regional meeting will allow assessing and setting a new direction toward achieving common objectives. There are many challenges, but with challenges comes opportunity. Therefore we're here to create a framework of understanding between us, how we can augment our resources, knowledge, and experience leading toward a common objective. So it's an opportunity to exchange views and ideas."Video: Exclusive interview with the Minister of Heritage and Tourism.

Unified visaThe GCC unified tourist visa has been approved and will come in time. "Yeah. We are meeting regularly and authorities responsible for making this possible through a unified mechanism will come down the road very soon. It will be enforced by the beginning of next year," the