The Ministry of Tourism reopened the Al Rustaq Fort, Al Hazm and Qurayyat Castles after recent renovation work that was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. “Castles and forts are among top tourist destinations in the Sultanate of Oman that attract a big number of visitors and tourists. According to recent statistics, number of visitors to castles and forts during the period 1 January to 31 October 2013 stood at 150,000. The forts and castles in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate topped the list in terms of visitors with 100,000 people; followed by the castles and forts in South Al Batinah with 18,000 people.” Official statistics show that 16,000 Omanis visited the castles and forts till the end of October 2013, while visitors from GCC nations numbered 760. Visitors aged under 12 were numbered over 10,000, during January to October 2013 period”, said Abdullah bin Salim Al Zehli, Director of Historical Destination Development. Source: Travel Daily