This is another article found on the "Ministry of Information" in Oman this morning also.

New tourism projects to provide 10,000 direct jobs, says minister

Muscat — Dr Rajha bint Abdulameer bin Ali, Minister of Tourism, highlighted the importance of the meetings held between the public and private sectors. The meetings were beneficial to both the sectors, she said in her meeting at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), with members of the OCCI board of directors and representatives of travel and tourism sectors. The minister pointed out that the government strives to have comprehensive tourism complexes and other tourism projects in different parts of the Sultanate. As of today, there are 21 integrated tourism projects, besides other projects such as hotels and resorts in the Sultanate, she added.

“Through the studies undertaken by the Supreme Committee for Town Planning, areas will be allocated for future tourism projects. These areas will be allocated for potential investors. The ministry will then select the best offer. The ministry has offered 11 tourism sites for investment in the recent past,” she explained. Dr Rajha also pointed out that the government encourages the private sector to undertake these projects by setting up public joint stock companies rather than play the role of mediators. Answering a question on the participation of OCCI at foreign exhibitions, Dr Rajha said the ministry welcomes joint co-operation with OCCI to promote the Sultanate’s rich tourism potential.

As for the guarantees provided by the Tourism Ministry to investors, Dr Rajha said before giving any licence to the investor, the ministry checks the investor’s financial position to implement the project. There is a proposed idea ‘calculating the draft guarantee’ which secures the buyers’ right. The idea will be implemented in tourism and real estate projects. The involvement of foreign investors in implementing tourism projects has given the sector thrust and experience besides luring more investors.

Speaking on human resources development in the sector, Dr Rajha also pointed out that the projects which will be implemented in future will provide 10,000 direct jobs during the next five years. Some investors will establish hospitality institutes to train Omanis on providing tourism services. Other investors will send a number of Omanis to pursue tourism-related studies abroad. The meeting was attended by Khalil bin Abdullah al Khonji, Chairman of OCCI, OCCI officials, businessmen and investors.