I didn't write this :p copied it from somewhere and it's worth reading if you are interested in knowing what's happening with the Omani business ;)
Prominent international firms are among some 30 companies that have so far shown interest in prequalifying for a key government contract to provide consultancy services to the Ministry of Tourism in the development of major tourism projects in the Sultanate.
The search for a professional multidisciplinary firm as its Prime Consultant comes as the Ministry prepares to embark on a new phase in the development of the Sultanate’s leisure, hospitality and tourism industry, tipped to play a pivotal part, alongside oil and gas, and industry, as economic mainstays.
In June, the Ministry, acting through the Tender Board, invited proposals from local and international consultants, with proven experience and skills in developing sustainable small, medium and large tourism projects.
Such expertise, it stressed, must necessarily span the complete spectrum of leisure activities such as adventure, heritage, and general leisure at a range of locations such as mountain or coastal areas. It should include experience in the development of projects and initiatives that reflect the identity of the region, and add value, such as by providing employment and economic benefit to local communities while minimising cultural impact and conserving built and natural heritage.
Ahead of this month’s deadline for submission of proposals, as many as 31 firms collected tender documents in a reflection of the robust international and local interest in the Ministry’s contract. Companies that have signalled a desire to prequalify for the tender include EGIS International, Dar al Handasah, SIGNES, Sandro Serapioni Architetto, Gulf Engineering Consultants, WS Atkins, Artelia Eau & Environment, Favero E Milan Ingeneria, Malcolm Pirnie, Euroconsult, National Engineering Office, Arcop & Partners and Howarth MAK.
The selected consultant, according to the Ministry, shall be responsible for the complete development of one or more tourism projects, from inception through construction completion, business establishment, and ongoing monitoring and business support.
This includes initial assessment of the tourism potential a site selected by the ministry, completing further study as required, making recommendations on options for tourism development, completing detailed design, overseeing tendering, and business establishment.
The specific scope of the consultant’s services will include the following: Feasibility Study, Stakeholder Consultation, Master Planning, Business Planning, Design, Permits and Approvals, Tender Evaluation, Contract Administration and Supervision, Planning Management, Public Private Partnerships, Business Facilitation, Assisting SME business startups, Training, Monitoring, and Ongoing Business support assistance.
In seeking to appoint a consultant to assist in the implementation of future projects, the Ministry is affirming its commitment to the principles of sustainable tourism underpinning all new developments in the tourism sector. Those principles are set out in the charter of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) 2003, as well as the Muscat Declaration on Built Environments for Sustainable Tourism 2005.
Furthermore, in an effort to guide development and to enhance the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry, the Ministry has formulated a Development Control Plan Framework (DCPF) in co-ordination with other government agencies. The DCPF helps in establishing a consistent process to be followed for every tourism development.
In accordance with national legislation the DCPF identifies the process for Environmental Impact Assessments for tourism developments which take into account the following: the natural environment; safety and social aspects in a holistic and integrated way; and resource efficiency and conservation leadership in Energy & Environment Design (LEED).
The framework also seeks to promote the integration of local communities into the development plans through a community development plan to incorporating for example: provisions for the local communities to continue to exercise their customary rights; job or new livelihood opportunities; site and facility designs which preserve and promote significant cultural features such as interpretation of cultural resources and accommodating traditional practices in the operating plan of the proposed facility.
Prequalification proposals for the Ministry’s tender open on August 18, 2013.
Pic: Salalah Beach Project by Muriya
