After Muttrah Fort opening, plan to rope in expert site management firms, investors
Times News Service
MUSCAT: As part of its efforts to further boost tourism in the Sultanate, the Ministry of Tourism plans to rope in companies with expertise in the management of historical sites.
Having opened the first phase of the historic Muttrah Fort in Muscat for tourists after renovation, the Ministry of Tourism is also trying to attract experienced and specialised companies to manage Fort and the Big House or Al Bait Al Kabeer located just below the fort.
It has also called for investments in these sites. The historic Muttrah Fort overlooks the Sultan Qaboos Tourism Port, Souq Muttrah and neighbouring tourist spots.
Abdullah bin Salem Al Thahli, Assistant Director General for the Development of Tourism Sites and Products, said: “The idea behind using Muttrah Fort for tourism is part of the vision of the Ministry of Tourism to develop the forts of the country as tourist destinations.”
He said the fort has strong defence elements and a unique architectural design, which is why the ministry wanted to highlight these elements and develop it as a tourist destination in the first phase, and in the second phase, begin the development of the adjoining areas.
Tourist attraction
Al Thahli said the fort was one of the most important projects taken up by the ministry to turn it into a major tourism and cultural attraction, as its unique urban architectural area could attract tourists from inside and outside the country.
He said the fort had a variety of old cannons. The history of each cannon differs. There is history behind the manufacturing of each cannon and there are details about the country where they were manufactured.
There are Omani, Portuguese, British, French, American, Indian and Persian cannons. Some of them are for ground battle, some of them for naval ships, and some for permanent buildings such as forts. There are brief notes about their history, use and military significance.
Al Thahli said the Ministry of Tourism has made huge efforts to develop this landmark as a major tourist attraction as it believes in its significance. It wanted to put it on the tourist map.
The ministry worked with a scientific vision and rules and methods of archaeological development, without blurring the original characteristics and features of the fort.
He said the ministry’s development plan ensured comprehensive maintenance of the fort to preserve it as an archaeological site, while maintaining its originality.
While working on this project, a comprehensive scientific analysis of the building materials was done to ensure its protection from erosion and corrosion.
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