The Omani government recently signed a $308 million agreement with Al-Sawadi Development and Investment, a European-Omani consortium, to build a resort near Barka on the Batinah coast, reported Sibexnews. The first phase of the project has a target date of completion set for late 2005.
Expected to create some 2,000 jobs for locals, the Al Sawadi Tourism Resort will be set up on government owned land leased for 75 years and totally funded by the consortium The complex will include a series of four-star and five-star hotels, a golf course, chalets, restaurants and entertainment facilities.
This past January, the Omani government relaxed entry visa procedures and reduced fees, in a bid to facilitate travel at a time of a global downturn in the tourism industry. Entry visas to the Gulf sultanate are now issued at airports, at a cost of seven riyals ($2.7) for business visas and five riyals ($1.9) for tourist visas. Gulf nationals are charged three riyals ($1.1) per visa. Free 24-hour visas are issued to visitors from docking cruise ships. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
