45th Renaissance Anniversary at WTM 2015

THE SULTANATE OF OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS 45th RENAISSANCE ANNIVERSARY AT WTM 2015

   
The Sultanate of Oman is celebrating the 45th Anniversary of its Renaissance and the evolution of the tourism industry from desert expeditions to adventure travel, luxury and cruise experiences. 

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism is joined at +World Travel Market London by a delegation from the ministry and 24 companies from the Oman private sector including the cupcake celebration taking place on Monday, the first day of the exhibition. The 45th anniversary of the glorious Renaissance marks an era of progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. 

Both Salalah and Muscat International Airports are under development with a planned capacity of 1 million passengers and 12 million passengers per annum respectively, they are expected to be the new gateways to the Sultanate of Oman. 


The Sultanate of Oman began to flourish since the dawn of modern renaissance on July 23, 1970. Since then it has brought about radical changes in the life of Omani citizens to evolve into a modern, forward-looking country with a wide range of award-winning five-star and boutique hotels. However, Oman remains authentic and wherever you go in Oman you will still find traditional Arabian hospitality, arts and crafts. 

The Star Middle East Tourist Office Award for the UK office will be presented for the second consecutive year to Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi at this year’s exhibition.

Celebrating the 45th Anniversary: The Crossing the Empty Quarter Project (CEQ) From Salalah on the Indian Ocean coast of Oman, through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Doha the capital of Qatar.  A team of Omanis is taking on the challenge – leading British explorer Mark Evans across the desert. Mark Evans will be following in the footsteps of Bertram Thomas, the intrepid British explorer, who set out to travel Arabia's vast Rub Al Khali desert, one of the world’s most extreme and inhospitable environments 85 years earlier. 

Private sector representatives are attending WTM 2015 as an opportunity to promote Oman’s hotels, attractions and tourism services including recent openings such as the Six Senses Spa opens at The Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Nizwa Fort will re-open on 06 November 2015.

Further properties in the pipeline to be opened in 2016 include: The Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, a rare jewel in the rocky contours of the vast Saiq Plateau on Oman’s fabled Green Mountain, magnificently perched almost 3,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon; The Anantara Salalah Resort, situated between a beach and natural lagoon on the south coast of Dhofar in Salalah, Oman, The Kempinski Hotel and Residences at Muscat’s Al Mouj Muscat. Muscat has seen recent growth in the MICE market and this is anticipated to grow even faster with the opening of the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Salalah International is expected to have a capacity of 1 million passengers per annum whilst Muscat International will have a more substantial capacity of 12 million passengers per annum. Both airports will be able to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380 and will be designed with the latest state-of-the-art technology. There are further plans to subsequently expand Muscat International in three phases, ultimately boosting the airport’s capacity to 24, 36 and 48 million passengers per annum.
The Sultanate of Oman stand is the ideal spot for WTM visitors to take a short well deserved break during the show where they will find Omani coffee and dates served in traditional Omani style. 

Travel agents will have the chance to see traditional Omani weaving and get a Henna tattoo. 

Travel Agents can also receive a keying or banner pen if they send their selfie with the Omani dolls hidden on the stand to Tourism UK @Oman_Tourism_UK on twitter.

Notes to Editors:
New figures from Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reveal that 79,365 Brits visited the Sultanate between January and June 2015 an increase of 1%. In total, more than 629,911 tourists visited Oman during the six-month period.

Nizwa Fort will be officially re- opened to the public on the 6th November 2015

For more information & high-res images please contact:
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4505 / 4504

Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk 
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om 

Win an Ipad Mini at WTM 2015 with the Oman Ministry of Tourism

(Stand ME500)

In celebration of the 45th Renaissance Anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan's reign - leave a business card on the stand and share a selfie with our dolls mentioning @Oman_Tourism_UK and #OmaniDolls to be in with a chance of winning!

The winner will be announced on Twitter on Monday 9th November.

The first 10 entries each day will receive an Omani gift (ask at the Oman desk):
- Frankincense
- USB charger
- Keyring

The main prize winner will be announced the following week after +World Travel Market London on +Twitter 
This winner will be randomly chosen through a business card draw of eligible entries.
We will contact the business card owner to verify their identity and eligible Tweet.

Terms and Conditions:

Prize: Ipad Mini

- One prize per person.
- Only for UK and Ireland residents
- Prize cannot be exchanged for cash
- Contest starts 2/11/15 and finishes 05/11/15 at 23:59 pm. After closing date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
- The winner will be announced on the morning of 09/11/2015

There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received or ineligible for whatever reason.

The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.


Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

WIN AN IPOD NANO, what shall we call our dolls?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Entry here: http://bit.ly/OmaniDolls

To enter, simply answer the question on the post and tag two friends.

Prize: Ipod Nano

- The winner must provide us with their email address in a private message or email.

- The Winner will be chosen randomly from the eligible entries of the most popular name choice. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 7 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

- One prize per person.

- Only for UK and Ireland residents

- Prize cannot be exchanged for cash

- Contest starts 22/10/15 and finishes 01/11/15 at 23:59 pm. After closing date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

- The winner will be announced on the morning of 03/11/2015

There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Family Traveller Awards 2015 winners announced

Taking place at London's highest viewing platform at the top of the tallest building in Western Europe, The View from The Shard, The Family Traveller Awards 2015 revealed the results of the public and panel votes on Tuesday night. An incredible 26,000 readers voted and a shortlist of 200 nominations across 18 categories was created. 

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is delighted to have been included in such a list - The Best Long Haul Destination category and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winner, Mauritius.

The full winners list including the highly commended and shortlisted companies is available to view here: 
http://www.familytravellerawards.com/

Oman attracts many visitors, every year, from the UK and Ireland with its variety of accommodation. The wealth of experiences on offer varies from the opulent to the adventurous, glorious golden sands and water sports. Observe whales, dolphins, birds… the variety of attractions and activities are endless. 

Wherever you choose to stay in Oman you are assured that all senses will be sated. The holiday of a lifetime awaits!

Want to learn more about Oman? Watch this video: 

If you want to discover more about the Sultanate, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

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Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

Follow @Oman_Tourism_UK

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12 Most Colorful And Vibrant Souqs In The Sultanate Of Oman

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Wondering where the best places to shop in Oman are? Want to know about some of the most interesting tourist attractions in the Sultanate?

Souqs in Oman hum with an energy that has been handed down the centuries. 

In this article, you'll discover the 12 most colourful and vibrant souqs in the Sultanate of Oman:

#1: Mutrah Souq
One of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty, magic and allure. If you enjoy visiting public markets, you must see Mutrah Souq, the most beautiful market your eyes will ever see!

#2:  Al Hafah Souq
Al Hafah Souq lies 3 kilometres from the city of Salalah in Dhofar Governorate. It is surrounded by lofty coconut trees and is the perfect place to buy the best kinds of gum and incense, not only in Dhofar, but also in the Sultanate.

#3: Al Husn Souq
Characterised by its location in the middle of Salalah’s old neighbourhoods in Dhofar Governorate. This souq retains a traditional style with its handicrafts, conventional in their design, shape and function, such as braziers and other traditional handicrafts. Al Husn Souq retains its ancient architectural personality, having preserved the original features of its surroundings, apparent in every corner.

#4: Ar Rustaq Souq
Built in Wilayt Ar Rustaq in Al Batinah South Governorate, Ar Rustaq Souq is one of the most popular markets in the Sultanate. From the small hours of the morning this market becomes a hub of activity where various goods are traded such as traditional industries and crafts like silver, blacksmithing, palm leaves, folk remedies, various agricultural crops, in addition to a famous courtyard for selling sheep and livestock frequented by citizens from Al Batinah region’s various states.

#5: Sohar Handicrafts Souq
Located in Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar in Al Batinah North Governorate. Built in the style of Arab-Islamic architecture, Sohar Handicrafts Souq was inaugurated in 1999 with a view to encouraging artisans and to preserve Oman's traditional handicrafts. Craft shops sprawl over an area of 7,000 square metres and the souq houses under one roof various Omani traditional industries and handicrafts, such as leather, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, Omani sweets (Halwa) and traditional weapons.

#6: Ibri Souq 
An important landmark and an active economic and tourism centre. It is the most prestigious and largest souq in A'Dhahirah Governorate, built adjacent to Ibri Castle in the Eastern Province. Characterised by its specialised sections such as gold and silver shops, popular Arab supply shops and a dedicated area for the sale of animals. 

#8: Nizwa Souq
This souq lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock sale, fish, vegetables and handicrafts.

#9: Bahla Souq

Bahla Souq is a short distance from Bahla Fort. It has many traditional industries like making daggers and copper artefacts, in addition to Omani sweets (Halwa). This Souq is famous for its active commercial activity.

#10: Al Mintarib Tuesday Market

Every Tuesday of the week in Wilayt Badiya in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate (Eastern Region). This souq overflows with handicrafts made by Badiya villagers and adjacent areas, where the visitor will find small treasures made of gold and silver, as well as daggers, swords, textiles, objects made of palm leaves, leather goods, in addition to agricultural, meat and fish products. The souq is open only from six to ten in the morning.


#11: Ibra Wednesday Market
Every Wednesday of the week in Wilayt Ibra in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate - dedicated to women only. Every week, women head to this market to buy all they need. It is open from six in the morning until one in the afternoon.

#12: Sinaw Thursday Market
Is held every Thursday in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate. It is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities who head there to buy staples and sell their livestock and handicrafts. This market runs from six in the morning until one in the afternoon.

A journey of discovery awaits you in this welcoming land at crossroads between Asia, Africa and Western civilisation. Enjoy all of the marvels of this unique setting, the ideal gateway to Arabia.

If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

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Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

Follow @Oman_Tourism_UK

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