Musandam in Oman prepares to welcome winter cruise tourists with new developments

The Musandam Governorate in northern Oman is gearing up for the winter tourism season with a series of new initiatives, infrastructure projects, and heritage site restorations aimed at enhancing its appeal to both cruise passengers and independent travellers.

According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, preparations are underway across the governorate to ensure that all tourism operators, hotels, and service providers meet approved quality standards. 

Field inspections are being carried out to assess readiness, with officials emphasising the importance of service quality in accommodating the anticipated influx of winter cruise tourists and other visitors.

Nawfal bin Mohammed Al Kamzari, assistant director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Musandam Governorate, said that efforts are being intensified to promote the region through the Winter Musandam campaign, led by the Musandam Governor’s Office in collaboration with the ministry.

To support cruise tourism, a temporary tourist information centre has been established at Khasab Port to assist passengers arriving on international cruise ships. The centre provides maps, guides, and on-the-ground support, ensuring a more organised visitor experience as the number of cruise calls to the governorate continues to grow.

In 2024, Musandam received 45 cruise ships carrying a total of 58,267 passengers, underscoring its growing importance as a stop on Gulf and regional itineraries. The number of visitors to the governorate’s castles and forts reached 17,413 over the same period, reflecting a steady interest in Musandam’s historical and cultural attractions.

A series of tourism infrastructure projects are also under development. The visitor centre in Dibba is nearing completion and will offer integrated services highlighting the state’s natural and heritage assets. Meanwhile, work continues on the Ras Al Amoud Tourist Resort project in Khor Al Hablain, and a new hotel development in Bukha aims to expand local accommodation capacity.

In Khasab, a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and private partners Khasab Development and Sandan has led to the launch of the Pearl of Khasab, an integrated tourism complex expected to diversify the governorate’s visitor offerings.

Heritage preservation remains a parallel focus, with restoration and maintenance work planned for the Khasab and Bukha forts. These projects form part of a wider effort to conserve historical landmarks while enhancing their accessibility to visitors.

With its dramatic fjord-like coastlines, mountain scenery, and expanding infrastructure, Musandam is positioning itself as a key destination for Gulf cruise itineraries and regional tourism in the coming winter season.