Oman's Ministry of Tourism plans to launch 17 new integrated tourism stations on different road networks in the sultanate this year.

The stations are aimed at enhancing tourism services and infrastructure and encourage domestic tourism, said a Oman News Agency report.

As per the design guidelines specified by the Ministry of Tourism, each integrated tourism station should include petrol filling station, two- or three-star hotel facilities, air conditioned building for the fast food restaurants, retail shops, tourism information centre, rest areas, child play areas, WCs and separate prayer rooms for men and women.

The Ministry of Tourism has earlier identified the land plots that will be used as integrated tourism stations and divided them into three main groups. The first group includes the proposed stations on Adam/Thumrait and Al Batinah Express roads.

The second group includes the applications made by individuals to set up integrated tourism stations. The Ministry pointed out that the application that have been submitted are now being considered by the ministry and those who meet requirements will be approved.

The third group includes the integrated tourism stations on 17 locations of the Ministry of Tourism.

The integrated tourism stations will be distributed on the different land roads in the Sultanate and will add value by providing quality tourism services to road users. - TradeArabia News Service