Oman has turned its attention to tourism and many investors are ready to help develop the industry for the Gulf sultanate. One major investment in Omani tourism already has been a $450 million tourist village on Oman's southern beach. Officials say the village will attract 650,000 tourists annually.
Southern Oman has always been a prime tourist attraction. Its hills and natural landscape draw visitors from within Oman and from neighboring Gulf states. Oman is rich in historic landmarks - it was an important regional power before the British arrived at the end of the 18th century.
The Sultans of Oman ruled the entire Gulf coast, large areas of Africa and parts of Pakistan. Unlike other Gulf countries that employ foreigners to run their tourism industry, Oman employs its own citizens.
Official in Oman say tourism has become a promising sector with many local and foreign investors showing keen interest in it. They don't expect a developed tourism sector to affect Oman's economic structure in any significant way, since it is basically dependent on oil, but the officials say it will diversify the economy and ease the problem of finding jobs for many new graduates who are unable to find work. –(Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
