Leave the roads; take the trails

Oman’s nature reserves, with their picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, camping sites and diving facilities, offer unique opportunities to explore nature and underwater marvels.

The sultanate has added three more nature reserves taking the total to 30. Are nature reserves adding to the tourist attractions in the country? What more can be done to make these a haven for biodiversity and attract tourists? Here is what

readers said -

To improve biodiversity and attract more tourists, Oman can add well-marked trails, offer guided tours, and provide educational programmes about local wildlife. Eco-friendly facilities and proper marketing will also help make these reserves more appealing to visitors.

Oman can provide personalised activities such as wildlife photography tours and conservation workshops at these nature reserves to woo more visitors.

Aijaz Khan Educator and entrepreneur

The nature reserves in the sultanate do attract tourists. However, it's important to focus on enhancing facilities in existing reserves rather than adding new ones. This can be done by offering facilities for birdwatching, viewing rare animals, staying in treehouses, hiking, paid fishing in stocked ponds, and having ample dining options catering to all categories of visitors.

Santosh Kumar Businessman

Oman's expanded nature reserve network offers diverse ecosystems for tourists to explore. Enhancing accessibility through well-marked trails, visitor centres, instructions in both English and Arabic, and proper signage can enrich the tourist experience while fostering appreciation for conservation efforts.

Amjad Khan

Businessman

The addition of three new nature reserves enhances Oman's appeal to eco-tourists. To further bolster biodiversity and attract visitors, investments are required in infrastructure like resorts, eco-lodges and guided tours which could provide immersive experiences while safeguarding delicate ecosystems.

Ahmed al Balushi PRO

The new reserves significantly contribute to Oman's ecotourism sector. To maximise their potential, initiatives like community-based conservation projects, and educational programmes like taking school children out there can have long-term benefits for biodiversity and tourism.