Wednesday 26 / August / 2026
Muscat: The scientific meeting, titled "The Local Community: Gateway to Sustainable Tourism Development," held today in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation between government and private entities and the local community, and highlighting its role in enriching tourism events and activities to enhance the region's appeal as a tourist destination.
The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Social Development in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, was attended by approximately 60 people, including representatives from government and private entities, students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Nizwa, as well as a number of individuals interested in tourism development issues.
Wadha bint Salem Al Alawi, Director of the Social Studies Department at the Ministry of Social Development, stated that the local community is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. It is the custodian of cultural identity, the preserver of cultural and architectural heritage, and the creator of the authentic tourism experience that visitors seek. Sustainable tourism is no longer measured solely by the volume of investments or the number of tourists, but rather by the extent of the local community's participation in planning, implementation, and benefiting from the returns of development, thus ensuring a balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
She added that Omani youth play an active role in promoting tourism through social media platforms, showcasing natural and heritage landmarks and reflecting Omani identity in an engaging way that reaches a wide local and international audience. The pioneering role of young people extends to their work as tour guides and organizers of interactive programs and events, enriching digital content with innovative and impactful approaches that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The meeting included a presentation titled "The Role of the Local Community in Achieving Sustainable Tourism Development: A Sociological Study of Al-Aqr Neighborhood in the Wilayat of Nizwa," presented by researcher Sarah bint Saud Al-Sarhani. Her presentation addressed the role of the local community in supporting tourism development and leveraging the cultural and heritage assets of the area.
The meeting also featured two presentations: the first, titled "From Al-Sujrah to an Exceptional Tourist Destination," presented by Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Shariqi, and the second, titled "Youth: Builders of Tourism in Al-Surur Village: Reality and Prospects," presented by Dr. Yahya bin Khamis Al-Hasani. Both presentations explored several local experiences and the role of youth initiatives in supporting the tourism sector and developing local communities.
The meeting also focused on the importance of employing scientific studies and research in the service of local development and benefiting from their outputs in supporting tourism initiatives and projects, empowering local communities and enhancing their participation in the development of the tourism sector, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, and enhancing the contribution of tourism to sustainable economic and social development.
