MUSCAT — Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is studying the tourism readiness of Sohar Airport and Duqm Airport as part of efforts to expand visitor flows beyond Salalah, following the success of coordinated tourism initiatives in Dhofar Governorate, a senior official said.
The ministry, in cooperation with Oman Airports and other partners including hotel establishments and tourism companies, has commissioned one or two companies to assess the potential of the two airports, according to Haitham Al-Ghasani, Director General of Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
“The assessment is not limited to the airport alone, but also includes the availability of hotel establishments, tourism products and the companies that will provide tourism services,” Al-Ghasani said.
He noted that international travellers and tourists typically prefer coastal destinations, adding that tourism attractions in Sohar Governorate — particularly in Sohar Wilayat — remain limited compared with more established destinations such as Salalah.
The studies also include observations from airlines currently operating flights to Salalah Airport, Al-Ghasani said, providing insights into market demand and operational considerations.
“There is already an existing study and evaluation for Sohar Airport and Duqm Airport, and this is being discussed with partners in the tourism sector,” he said, adding that the ministry remains keen to enhance tourism movement in both governorates through coordinated development efforts.
