English abstract
The aim of this study is to highlight and investigate the problem of not using the forts and castles as touristic attraction and not giving them the proper economic importance for the country since the early days of the renaissance as one of the rich heritage touristic attraction that attracts inbound tourism despite the efforts made to preserve them.
The study focuses on assessing the role of the forts and castles in attracting inbound tourism to the Sultanate of Oman as a result of the rehabilitation process carried out by the Ministry of Tourism, which has been given the priority in tourism development and their exploitation as touristic destinations.
The study was based on the descriptive, survey and analysis approach through the study and analysis of data and statistics from various resources related to the inbound tourism and visitors of the forts castles in the Sultanate of Oman, especially the actual statistical data and information for the heritage and tourism sectors during the period (2006 - 2015). The study used questionnaires and interviews as two basic tools to achieve the objectives of the study and answer its questions.
The study comes out with a number of results, most notably the positive role of the tourism operation management of forts and castles in attracting inbound tourists which has resulted in the increase of the inbound tourist. The castles and forts that have not been operating attracted less number of tourists compared to those which were used for tourist compared to those which were used for tourism. The importance of availability of facilities and services in castles and forts and the degree of preservation of their authenticity have been highlighted as the main reason for attracting tourists. The study recommends the creation and establishment specialized tourism promotion programs which highlight the forts and castle in the Sultanate of Oman as tourism heritage product. Furthermore, the study calls for raising and social awareness and impact tourism role and these forts and castles as to maintain and restore them.
