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 encouraging domestic tourism, said an Oman News Agency report.

Each integrated tourism centre is expected to include a petrol filling station, two- or three-star hotel facilities, an air-conditioned building for fast-food restaurants, retail shops, tourism information centre, rest areas, child play areas, toilets and separate prayer rooms for men and women.

The Ministry of Tourism had earlier identified the land plots that will be used  and categorised them into three groups - those on Adam/Thumrait and Al Batinah Express roads; at the 17 locations specified by the Ministry of Tourism; and  integrated tourism stations to be set up by individuals.