April 19- The tourism sector's share in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be more than three per cent during the Eighth Five Year Development Plan (2011-2015), said Muhammad al Tobi, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. The sector, he said, will hopefully go well beyond the objectives set by the Oman's Vision-2020, of increasing its relative share to three per cent of the GDP by 2020.
The 25-year Oman's Economic Vision (1995-2020), the master plan for the development of non-oil sectors, revolves around five areas of focus for tourism: establishing Oman as a regional travel and tourism hub; increasing tourism industry's contribution to GDP to three per cent; increasing the private sector's participation; attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and increasing Omanisation.
"The question of tourism sector's relative share in the GDP needs clarification. Its share, which stands at around one per cent per cent at present, includes only hotels and restaurants. Meanwhile, Port Sultan Qaboos played host to a trio of luxury cruise liners (Costa Luminosa, Brilliance of the Seas and The World of the United States), affording passersby a spectacle more reminiscent of European ports,” he added.
Thought to be the world’s oldest shopping mall, the arcades in Trajan’s Market are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure and one can visit several of the levels. Highlights include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library. The new museum of the Imperial Forums houses a wealth of artefacts fr...
Children’s Park The park is considered an idyllic place for children as it incorporates all kinds of swings, climbing frames and slides for the tiny tots, providing them maximum amusement that will make their tour to the city simply unforgettable. Adults are allowed on some of the rides thus taking them back into their childhood. The garden also has a cafeteria. Mushrif Children's Ga...
This place is a former pearl trader’s home and a lush example of early Emirati architecture. Phone: 568 1738 Opening Times: Sat-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri 4-8pm Fees: Adult AED5, Child free, Family AED10...
One of the best places to take children in Sharjah is the Sharjah Desert Park. The Arabian Wildlife Centre offers a Children’s Farm (531 1127, noon-4pm, Dh5 on weekends) where children can pet and feed goats, ducks and ride ponies and camels. The Natural History Museum might also be a good draw card for your children as well as Qanat al-Qasba with the Eye of the Emirates and go-kart track (see Pla...