‘Muscat Geoheritage Auto Guide’ wins UNESCO award

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

MUSCAT, Oman – Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has won the UNESCO award for the creation of the ‘Muscat Geoheritage Auto Guide.’

MUSCAT, Oman – Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has won the UNESCO award for the creation of the ‘Muscat Geoheritage Auto Guide.’

The guide highlights the environmental scenario around the Sultanate and its geological nature. The concept of the ‘Muscat Geoheritage Auto Guide’ is based on installing an application that includes information on 30 geo sites in Muscat, such as Al Khoud, Bandar Al Khairan, Wadi Al Meeh and Baushar. The programme includes maps for Muscat, geological sites and their paths to facilitate users in accessing destinations and to provide them information about the sites.

The project has won the Unesco award for its creative concept. By unveiling the geo-heritage guide digital application, the Ministry of Tourism has expanded its initiative of spreading awareness about tourism and the Sultanate’s natural wealth among people of other countries. The Ministry of Tourism launched the Auto Guide in June, 2012.

As the Sultanate is a top tourist destination of the Gulf region, a large number of visitors from across the world are drawn to its historical and cultural attractions each year.

With Muscat having been crowned as the Arab Tourism Capital 2012, an even greater number of tourists are expected this year.

Besides, Oman’s geological sites attract researchers from around the world. One of the advantages of the digital application is the four-language option โ€” Arabic, English, German and French, which would suit people across a global platform.

The guide provides environmental and geological information which is of use to tourists โ€” information that can be easily and quickly accessed through technological gadgets like smart phones.

The application is a new initiative to boost tourist inflow and contribute towards the overall health of the country’s economy.

As eco and heritage tourism gains popularity, the new smart phone application will also provide information to people who intend to visit the Sultanate for this purpose.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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