Major tourism investment projects are coming up in the Governorate of Dhofar, including Salalah Beach Resort, a specialized environmental project at al-Sodah Island in Shaleem W'al Halaniyat Islands and a tourism-cum-commercial complex called Salalah World. The Ministry of Tourism will also implement other investment projects in the governorate. These are Aftalqout Resort, al-Baleed Tourist Report, Ganout Tourist Resort, Platos Tourist Resort in the Niyabat of al-Shuwaimiyah, Wilayat of Shaleem W'al Halaniyat, an integrated environmental tourism resort in Khaisat Aqyan in the wilayat of Mirbat, Safeer Tourist Village and the Medical City project. This came in a statement to Oman News Agency by Khalid bin Musallam al-Rowas, Director-General of Tourism in Dhofar. Al-Rowas added that the Tourism Ministry will also develop the Sahour Cave site and Madhi spring site. Al-Rowas explained that the first stage of the integrated tourism-cum-commercial project named Salalah Tourism Resort includes the construction of four hotels, a marina, a golf course, a commercial center, residential units and luxurious hotel apartments. The al-Soudah Island Resort includes 32 hotel units and is considered one of the most specialized environmental tourist projects, said Al Rowas. Salalah World commercial and tourism complex includes world brands, restaurants, markets, Carrefour, cinemas, a billiard center, a recreational games center and hotel apartments, he said. Aftalqout Resort will be initiated after signing the usufruct agreement for land development, al-Rowas said. He noted that Al-Baleed Tourism Resort will start in the coming period after completing the formalities. An agreement for land development has been signed with Kuwait United Real Estate Development company to develop integrated tourism resorts. The project will start after completing detailed study and formalities, he added. Al-Rowas said that other future tourism development projects still under study include al-Mughsayl beach, al-Fazayeh beach and the old residential area in Mirbat. A vision has been developed to use a cable car service for moving between the beach and the surrounding mountains, said al-Rowas. BM
