Oman to Host Global Tourism Conference

An international conference on tourism and architecture will be organized by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Tourism, from February 5 to 8.

Under the name, Built Environments for Sustainable Tourism (BEST) — Sustainability, Cultural Diversity and Destination Image, the gathering will be held in conjunction with the UNESCO and the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).

Mohsin bin Khamis Al Baloushi, undersecretary of the Ministry of

Tourism, Government of Oman, said the conference, which will be

organized for the first time in the region, will examine case studies of

successful models in the sector of tourism architecture among other

objectives.

The conference will specifically examine case studies of tourism

projects all over the world, ranging in scale from eco-lodges to

regional master plans for mass tourism, that have successfully

incorporated principles of sustainability in all elements of their

physical and architectural design.

The conference will also identify principles, guidelines and specific

criteria that can be applied to the design of resorts, hotels and other

tourism infrastructure in order to guarantee the authenticity of the

tourism offer in the region and its long term sustainability, as well as

to maintain the distinctive character of cities, vernacular

architecture, and local communities.

Another objective is to find ways to encourage national and local

government to undertake the required political, legislative changes and administrative systems with a view to ensure the realization of the above principles in all tourism development programs and projects.