Tourism festivals driving investments, boosting economy

Tourism festivals driving investments, boosting economy

Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is focusing on tourism festivals as a catalyst for investments and economic growth in the governorates. Building on the success of winter festivals like the Empty Quarter Festival in Dhofar and Desert Adventures Festival in North Sharqiyah, the ministry launched the Ajwaa al Ashkharah Festival on July 5, set to run till July 24.

The festival was launched under the patronage of H E Salim bin Mohammad al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, who said that the ministry lays special emphasis on tourist festivals, recognising the direct and indirect impact of these in stimulating tourism, supporting promotional efforts and attracting investors to tourism projects.

“The ministry has delegated the management of organising tourism festivals and events to the respective governorates, enabling them to provide necessary support in coordination with relevant authorities,” said H E Mahrouqi.

The Ajwaa al Ashkharah Festival, like the winter festivals, has garnered positive responses from citizens and experts.

Speaking with Muscat Daily, economic analyst Nasser al Hosni highlighted the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s success in organising several festivals successfully in the first quarter of 2023. These include the Desert Adventures Festival in Bidiyah, North Sharqiyah, from January 29 to February