Developing Ras Al-Hadd as a Geological and Ecological Destination in Oman

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Alberta Butler
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2 Developing Ras Al-Hadd as a Geological and Ecological Destination in Oman Prof. Maged. M. F. Negm, Dean, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management Helwan University, Egypt.

3 Profiling Tourism In Oman Over the last decade, several procedures have been applied to reflect Oman s increasing interest in tourism: Establishing the Ministry of Tourism Enhancing tourism education Releasing ambitious development and promotion programs.

4 According to international statistics, the No. of tourists visiting Oman boosted from 0.5 million tourists in 2004 to almost 1.6 million in This number will exceed the barrier of three millions before 2020

5 Geotourism Geotourism was firstly introduced in 2002 as "tourism surrounding geological attractions and destinations"

6 Despite being a new concept of tourism, geotourism expanded rapidly within the last few years, which could be evidenced in several indications.

7 1. The growing number of countries interested in developing geosites. 2. Tourists increasing demand on geotourism. 3. The escalating number of geological agreements and projects, which have been recently assigned.

8 Geotourism in Oman Oman made it clear concerning its development strategy, to emphasise the country s natural features. This fits with the Omani plan Vision 2020 which states that sustaining Oman s ecological and geological features is a top priority.

9 So, Oman was one of the earliest Arabic countries to issue an environment protection law in In 1979, the Council for Conservation of the Environment and Prevention of Pollution was established. In 1984 Ministry of Environment, was established. Today, Oman has 14 protected areas, which are packed with ecological biotic and geological abiotic elements.

10 Thus, geotourism in Oman should aim to: Help protecting valuable geological items Contribute positively to both the site and country s economy Enhance the destination environmental image Increase the community awareness of different geological and environmental issues.

11 Ras Al-Hadd in Brief Ras Al-Hadd is situated in Sharqiyah Region, on the extreme east coast of Oman. The region has a broadly based economy, relying on agriculture and fishing. Population is up to 7,300 inhabitants.

14 Site Characteristic Ras Al-Hadd located on the extreme east coast of Oman. It also represents the extreme eastern frontier of the Arab World. The study area is an extensive and relatively remote area of coastal mountain and desert, but within its boundaries there are a variety of physical and environmental attractive. These compromise a complex mixture of potential attractions. These include the following: -The extensive coastline and beaches -Tidal and enclosed water bodies (Creeks). -Mountain supported by several geological formations (e.g. dunes) -Urban settlement.

15 Location, Access and Profile Location is vital to the success of a development, and in this regard existing attributes and/or the profile of a destination can be a major advantage. The profile of a destination product in the study area will combine a number of factors, notably the following: The appeal of the Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Junayz areas. The quality and range of accommodation facilities and tourism products on offer in the areas. The competence and experience of management of the accommodation, products and turtle nesting experiences. The innovative and well conceived marketing. The creation of an image of uniqueness, adventure and conservation; the maintenance of service and product standards. All these contribute to the development of a reputation, and market success

17 Research Aim The paper tends to highlight the factors of success for tourism development in Ras Al Hadd

18 Factors of success Studying Ras AL Hadd revealed that success could fulfilled by following a path of several procedures:

19 Concept of Development Development should follow the following actions: Dividing the area, into smaller sites according to the uniqueness of the geological and ecological attractions. Setting levels of restriction on access according to the previous classification. Controlling access to nesting beaches.

20 Encouraging eco-lodges Establishing integrated resorts around Khwar's Hajjar and Jarammah. Introducing new camping sites to enable visitors having more extensive experiences of the ecological and geological items. Accommodation total capacity should fit with the area capacity in a sustainable fashion.

21 Accessibility is crucial to tourism development. At present, the location is relatively remote. However establishing attractive eco/geotourism resorts will enhance tourists to put aside difficulty in travelling if they are rewarded with a superlative product. The recent development of the coastal road between Muscat and Sur will facilitate overcoming access problems. Focussing development on specific areas rather than diffused over the study area as a whole. Upgrading the local communities through improvements to current infrastructure.

22 Development Issues It is believe that it is important to maintain a high degree of flexibility in developing the Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Junayz areas, in order to respond to changing market circumstances. In this respect a number of site and market related issues should be considered. --Phasing of hotels and other accommodation should be in line with projected demand trends for the tourist market in Oman and visitation to the destination. The availability of site utilities such as sewage treatment, water and electricity should be given careful consideration, given expected pressure and inadequate existing municipal systems. -Diversification of tourism products would enable capture of a variety of target markets, thus spreading investment risk. Although turtle conservation is the driver of the master planning exercise, it would be risky to anchor all activities to one concept.

23 Supply-led Demand Although during peak times there is a shortage in tourist services, the current demand level can not motivate a significant new supply. It is not uncommon for a tourism site to be developed with low demand rate. In such cases, it is the quality of the development, surrounding attractions and promotion that will attract demand (e.g. Red Sea development).

24 Clustering Attractions Ras Al Hadd has been traditionally promoted as an ecological destination where photos of turtles have always been the typical logo. The area new image should be built upon clustering all the potential ecological, geological and cultural attractions, especially a successful synergy between these types is applicable. Promoting features such as outstanding natural beauty, pleasant climate, excellent coastline, cultural places as well as a variety of geological elements will support tourism in Ras Al Hadd.

25 So Ras Al Hadd should be promoted with the neighbouring Ras Al-Jiinz and Sur, which can jointly provide incomparable tourism package. Representation at major travel shows worldwide, tour operator support and targeted TV and media advertising should be utilized.

27 Clustering activities The area depends generally on three activities: tourism, agriculture, and handcrafts especially traditional boats. Agriculture and handcrafts could easily be integrated in a comprehensive development plan, as they both have the potentiality to support tourism.

28 Adopting a clustering approach will help maximizing the benefits of using all the current availabilities as well as avoiding any potential contradiction between tourism and other activities in the area. Setting a clustered development plan for Ras Al Hadd will not only help tourism, but will also assists agriculture and handcrafts, which currently face declining interest amongst younger generations.

29 Conclusion There is general welcoming of tourist development because it is widely expected to provide opportunities for business and employment. -Government employment may well increase in the area as community, social and tourist facilities are expanded to meet growing demand. This may also be important to the economy of the area. There a very few people in the study area with training in tourism, so in the present circumstances an increase in tourist numbers would be likely to draw in more expatriates, rather than lead to the employment of people from the local community. This despite the labour regulations that require that 30-40% of hotel staff should be Omani citizens.

30 Conclusion (continue) There is an absence of supporting tourist infrastructure in the area, notably service areas including restaurants and toilets, interpretative centres and sign boards, as well as litter collection and disposal services from the beach areas. -Much of the development pressure in the study area is thought to be for holiday and second homes, largely for Omani or GCC nationals, rather than for hotel type tourist facilities. This may have both advantages and disadvantages for the area. There should be less potential for "cultural clashes" between this type of visitor than one from further a field and visitors staying

31 Thank you

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