Al Jabal Akhdar Meet Discusses Role of Local Community in Achieving Sustainable Tourism Development

Muscat: The Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, today hosted a meeting titled 'Local community a gateway to sustainable tourism development'. The meeting laid emphasis on consolidating cooperation among the government, the private sector and the local community. It highlighted the role of this cooperation in promoting tourism events in a manner that contributes to augmenting the Wilayat's tourist attraction. According to Oman News Agency, the meeting was organized by the Ministry of Social Development in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. It was attended by 60 people, including representatives of government and private establishments, students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Nizwa, in addition to parties interested in tourism development issues. In a working paper titled 'A sociological study of Al Aqr neighbourhood in the Wilayat of Nizwa', researcher Sarah bint Saud Al Sarhani affirmed the basic role of the loca l community in supporting tourism development and optimizing the use of the cultural and heritage assets. The meeting also included two video displays, the first of which was titled 'Converting Al Sujrah into an exceptional tourist destination', and presented by Mohammed bin Nasser Al Shuraiqi. The second video display, titled 'Youth are the promoters of tourism in Al Suroor village: The reality and the prospects', was presented by Dr. Yahya bin Khamis Al Hassani. The two presentations featured local experiences and the role of youth initiatives in supporting the tourism movement. The meeting also focused on the importance of using the outcome of studies and research in boosting domestic development, notably by supporting tourism initiatives and projects and empowering local communities in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.