Over the last few decades there has been a spectacular growth in the number of tourists worldwide, and many of them travel specifically to experience the culture and natural environment overseas. The development of tourism in general, and ecotourism in particular, requires specialist environmental services in its planning and operation to ensure that the resource base on which is it founded is not damaged by the facilities, activities and tours themselves. With considerable experience in environmental impact assessments and resource management in the region, we can offer the necessary advice and planning to develop tourism resources, particularly in sensitive environments and protected areas. Increasingly, Five Oceans is working with developers at a strategic and conceptual level to increase the value of tourism development while avoiding activities that might degrade the quality of the resource.

Apart from environmental considerations tourism can potentially affect the culture and socio-economics of hosting communities. Responsible tourism must understand and engage the local community before integrating them into the planning process. With our extensive network of contacts at the community level, particularly on the coast of Oman, we can assist in coastal and marine tourism and eco-tourism development in Oman and elsewhere in the Gulf region.

Furthermore, the visitors’ experience can be enhanced by specialist interpretation and explanation of the natural world. Our staff have growing experience in tour guiding, developing itineraries, tourism master planning, eco-tourism training, development of low-cost accommodation and camps, logistics, marketing and promotion of tours and attractions, developing multi-media materials for visitor and interpretation centres, and best management practices within the eco tourism sector.

Download our information sheet on Tourism Development