International Heritage, Tourism, and Culture: Renewed Visions for Civilizational Development Conference Concludes with Key Recommendations on Heritage, Tourism, and Culture
The international conference "Heritage, Tourism, and Culture: Renewed Visions for Civilizational Development" concluded at the University of Nizwa, highlighting the necessity of a scientific database for the accurate dissemination of tourism and archaeological information. The conference emphasized collaboration between the public and private sectors in shaping comprehensive promotional strategies.
Held from February 3 to 5, 2025, the event featured 200 experts, researchers, and historians from Oman and abroad as part of the university’s 20th cultural season. The recommendations called for labour market surveys to identify industry needs, particularly in the heritage, tourism, and museum sectors. Universities were encouraged to introduce specialized academic programs in fields like archaeology, tourism management, and museum studies. Additionally, proposals included tailored training programs for niche tourism areas such as adventure tourism and archaeological site guidance.
The conference underscored sustainable tourism development, urging improved infrastructure and greater community engagement in preserving historical sites. Participants recommended studies to assess the role of schools in fostering cultural awareness and suggested competitive initiatives akin to the Sultan Qaboos Award for Sustainable Development to promote heritage preservation among students.
Further recommendations emphasized empowering local communities through cultural centres and associations dedicated to heritage conservation. Strategies to enhance Oman’s cultural and creative economy in tourism were discussed, with calls to establish dedicated funding for tourism projects aligned with economic sustainability.
Another significant focus was documenting endangered local languages to safeguard Oman’s intangible heritage. Experts stressed the importance of archiving linguistic and cultural knowledge digitally to preserve historical narratives and enrich the tourism sector.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Professor Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Rawahi, Chancellor of the University of Nizwa, in the presence of distinguished guests and organizers. The conference showcased over 80 research papers, with 40 presented by international participants, addressing topics such as digital transformation in tourism, cultural industries, and heritage sustainability.
Accompanying workshops organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism explored heritage industry development, investment opportunities, restoration techniques, and private museum contributions. The discussions reinforced the commitment to enhancing Oman’s tourism potential through integrated efforts from academia, government, and industry stakeholders.
