Muscat, (ONA) --- The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today launched a book titled “Splendours of the Sultanate of Oman: Scent of the Past, Vision of the Future”.

The 312-page book, translated into English, highlights Oman’s tourism potentials, enhanced by pictures of various tourist attractions in the Sultanate of Oman.

The launching ceremony of the book was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of State, Governor of Muscat in the presence of Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.

Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of State, Governor of Muscat affirmed that this book represents a valuable knowledge addition to the Omani library as well as the Arab and international libraries as the book features selected images and brief phrases highlighting unique components of all the governorates of Oman.

Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism said that this book will enrich the Omani tourism library.

He added the book contributes to supporting the promotional efforts undertaken by the ministry, both at the local and the global levels, within the framework of implementing the comprehensive tourism development plan.

He pointed out that the ministry will work to ensure the distribution of the book through its available promotional channels, and through its tourist representation offices in 16 countries targeted by tourism, as well as through the embassies of the Sultanate of Oman.

The stages of filming the book, authored by Hani J. Samaha, began on 18 September 2017 and ended on 22 August 2018. These stages started in the Governorate of Dhofar, passing through all the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman and ending in the Governorate of Muscat. As man as 5600 images were photographed, and about 1,000 images were selected by the photographer Professor Albert Saikaly, while the British editor Philippa Clayre edited the book in English.