ROME — The Sultanate of Oman is seeking to strengthen cultural and tourism ties with Italy following a recent visit by Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, to the Italian Republic. The visit included meetings with Italian tourism sector representatives and media, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on collaboration in heritage preservation and museum development.
Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli emphasized that the MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral cultural cooperation, laying groundwork for joint initiatives related to protecting, restoring, and promoting the rich cultural heritage shared by both nations. In a social media statement, Giuli highlighted the longstanding friendship between Oman and Italy, rooted in centuries of cultural exchange and dialogue aimed at fostering peace.
The minister underlined Oman’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, which blends conservation of cultural and natural heritage with diversification of tourism products and investment opportunities. He also noted the significance of the Italian market in broadening tourism partnerships and deepening collaboration across the travel industry.
Italian tourism publications have reported extensively on the ministerial visit. One trade publication, GuidaViaggi, described the event as a key move to strengthen ties with the Italian tourism sector, while spotlighting Oman’s natural landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and renowned hospitality. The report also connected these developments to Oman’s strategic Vision 2040, which prioritizes tourism as a driver of economic growth.
Travel Quotidiano covered the minister’s meetings with Italian journalists, held in the presence of HH Sayyid Nizar bin Al Julanda al Said, Oman’s Ambassador to Italy, and representatives from the Oman Tourism Representation Office in Italy. Their accounts highlighted Oman’s focus on expanding its tourism infrastructure through new accommodation projects and investments, emphasizing sustainability and diverse destination experiences ranging from mountainous areas to coastal regions and the southern part of the country.
Overall, Oman's delegation conveyed a clear message inviting Italian travelers and investors to explore the Sultanate’s expanding and varied tourism offerings, framed by ongoing efforts to balance development with cultural and environmental preservation.