10th Anniversary of The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism at WTM 2014

The Oman Ministry of Tourism’s tenth anniversary marks its many achievements over the past ten years in particular consistent visitor growth and the accolades received for its successful marketing campaigns. Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism is joined at WTM by a delegation from the ministry and 21 companies from the Oman private sector at the cutting of an anniversary cake on Monday, the first day of the exhibition. Her Excellency will be joining other Minister’s from all over the world to discuss the impact of mega-events on tourism at this year’s UNWTO WTM Summit and will share Oman’s own experience of hosting the annual Tour of Oman international cycle race in its 15^th year.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013 while the most recent accolade received from the travel trade, the Star Middle East Tourist Office Award, will be presented to Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi at this year’s exhibition.

New events include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale to be launched on the first day of WTM. The Oman Grand Tour 2015 will have owners of pre-seventies vintage and classic cars taking part in the 21-day trip across the country that is expected to cover over 4,000 kilometres, starting on October 18, 2015. The Tour, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf region, will also coincide with Oman's 45th National Day celebrations.

Private sector representatives are attending WTM as an opportunity to promote Oman’s latest accommodation openings including the AlilaJabal Akhdar mountain resort, the first five star hotel in Dhofar, the SalalahRotana Resort and the Al Nahda Resort & Spa 30-room desert resort, Dunes by Al Nahda opening in 2015. Further properties in the pipeline to be opened in the next two years include The Kempinski Hotel (2015) and The Fairmont Hotel (2016) at Muscat’s The Wave. The Ministry is looking towards Wellness Tourism as a new sector for growth with new spa resorts coming on board. 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 in 2016.

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is the proud sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards on the third day of World Travel Market and will be talking at length about the destination's sustainable tourism offerings. A new Public Transport Master Plan to be ready by December 2014 and once implemented will provide a state of the art bus network that can be integrated into bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems at a later stage.

The 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, a Just A Drop Water refill area and travel agents will have the chance to win an iPad Mini in a business card draw where every travel agent entry will receive a ceramic keying or banner pen.

Ancient Trade Routes And Cross Remote Plateaus: Hiking in Oman

Oman’s mountains provide excellent conditions for trekking. Intrepid explorers can expect to stumble across otherworldly vistas, unusual fossils and herds of impressively sure-footed mountain goats. Hikes through Jabal Akhdar often follow T. Falaj, or rivers of underground water that have been channelled through narrow canals for irrigation, connect many of the mountain villages. On hot summer days, groups of local children splash around, dipping in and out of the falaj’s cooling flow.

Perched at 2,000m, the town of Wakan is ringed by walking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. With its surrounding date palms, grapevines and pomegranate trees, it personifies Jabal Akhdar (“Green Mountain”). The village is often rated as one of the Sultanate’s prettiest. The trek to the precipitous Wadi an Nakhur, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, is punctuated with panoramic vistas. Clusters of ancient stone homes, such as the picturesque Al Sab and Birkat al Mawz, perch along its lofty peaks.

Musandam, the northernmost region of the country, offers experienced hikers rocky, wide-open terrain that spills across dramatic cliffs. On a clear day, It is possible to see across the Strait of Hormuz to the Iranian coastline. Around the coastal village of Sur, the Eastern Hajar Mountains enable visitors to combine elevated trekking with beachside camping.

For trekkers keen to leave Oman’s tourist trails far behind, centuries of Arabian Sea erosion have created the stunning limestone rock formations at Ras Duqm in the southern region of AlWasta. Its surrounding terrain draws gulls and terns, making it particularly appealing to keen birdwatchers. Ras Markaz, a remote promontory located here, shelters a kilometre-long sandy beach.

In contrast to Oman’s other regions, Salalah in the southern Dhofar province enjoys the annual monsoon, or khareef. Cooler temperatures, perennial waterfalls and a year-round verdant landscape make the region ideal for exploring on foot.

Experiencedrock-climbers seeking more challenging routes in Oman may refer to this Press Pack’s ‘Adventure Travel’ section. For hikers of all levels, Oman Trekking Explorer is an excellent guidebook to the country’s many and varied trails. It can be found on www.askexplorer.com. 

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Adventure travel in Oman: Cross-Country Cycling

The Tour of Oman – which takes place on a track designed by cycling legend Eddy Merckx – celebrated its fifth edition in 2014. The race has attracted a wide range of international cyclists, including stars such as Sir Bradley Wiggins, Alberto Contador and Fabian Cancellara. British Olympian Chris Froome won the Tour of Oman in 2014.

With the Tour de France celebrating its 100^th year in July 2013, it is expected that the international popularity of cycling will continue to increase. Likewise, cycling in the Sultanate has recently taken off in a big way – and fortunately, Oman offers plenty of places to explore by bike. Rarely peddled trails weave through the Hajar Mountains: these off-the-beaten-track pathways pass through remote villages, encouraging cyclists to savour the scenery and to stop and chat with locals. Muscat Cycling Club can provide information about group rides, local events and maps.

ExploringOmanon foot – whether you go it alone, hitch a ride on one of the country’s many camels or even head out on horseback – turns up plenty of exotic discoveries.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Oman – Dream Destination, Travel Bulletin Star Awards

Oman Hailed as Dream Destination

And…we won!

Hailed as “Dream Destination Star Middle East Tourist Office”, byTravel Bulletin, Oman Ministry of Tourism got their first Travel Bulletin Star Award for the Star Middle East Tourist Board 2014 (runners-up Dubai, other nominations Abu Dhabi and Jordan).

“We are extremely honored to be receiving such an important award and very grateful for the recognition. Thank you so much to all the travel agents that voted for us in this Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2014”

Alison Cryer, Director, UK & Ireland Oman Ministry of Tourism

“The Awards represent the highest accolade a travel company can hope to achieve as they are voted for exclusively by our travel agent reads”

Jeanette Ratcliffe, Publisher, Travel Bulletin

That is the great thing about this award, it is the travel agents that vote, not a panel of industry judges and therefore it is an even greater accolade and shows that the Oman Ministry of Tourism is delivering the help and assistance that they need and will continue to do so to the best of our ability. 

Oman has also been nominated for the second year running for a Selling Travel Agents Choice Award, it is already an honor to be nominated as one of six destinations worldwide and shows that we are getting across the Spa and Wellness message which includes all aspects sport and fitness. 

Oman attracts visitors 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!! 

Please, vote for us: 

Destinations 

Destination for Spa & Wellness 

Representation Plus, a London based specialist PR consultancy, has been also nominated 

Please, vote for us: 

Best of the rest: PR/Representation Company

Adventure travel in Oman: On two or four wheels

Whether it is sun-kissed desert dunes at sunrise, verdant wadi oases at high noon or cycling into the sunset, Oman is a delight to explore on two or four wheels.

Desert Dunes

Best explored in a 4WD vehicle, the dunes of Wahiba Sands cover a whopping 12,400km2. They soar up to 200m high, and are tinged a variety of rainbow hues from orange to deep amber. For bolder visitors, the 650,000km2 Empty Quarter is one of the largest deserts in the world. Most guided tours through Oman’s deserts include a stop at a Bedouin campsite where guests can share a meal with locals and sample authentic desert life. Alternatively, luxurious desert camps offer high-end spots to bed down in the dunes, including:

·   Hud Hud Travels (www.hudhudtravels.com), seasonal camps set up in Wahiba Sands and in the mountains near Tanuf. Hud Hud offer the possibility to mix their magical settings with challenging expeditions or specifically tailored events, such as a dinner for 100 guests on a deserted white sand beach

· Desert Nights (www.omanhotels.com/desertnightscamp), which offers their own permanent, luxurious take on traditional Bedouin tents, each one complete with their own private beanbag-splashed terrace. Desert Nights also arranges excursions into the dunes by quad bike and 4WD.

·   And 1000 Nights Camp (www.1000nightscamp.com), set among the Cineraria trees in Wahiba Sands. Camel safaris, treks into the desert and a traditional Omani meal under the stars may be organised by 1000 Nights’ accommodating staff.

It is also worth bearing in minds that visitors are allowed to camp almost anywhere in Oman, from the desert to mountaintops to secluded beaches. However, it is best to seek local advice before you set up camp. 

Self-Drive Holidays

With next to no traffic and petrol cheaper than mineral water, Oman is a country ideal for driving. Explore the hills around Nizwa, hop aboard a ferry to the fjords of Musandam or Masirah Island, or head south to Salalah’s lush coconut groves. Oman Off-Road Explorer is a superb and detailed guidebook to the country’s roads. It can be found on www.askexplorer.com.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Spotting Sea Mammals In Oman

Of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans, around a quarter have been spotted in the coastal waters off Oman. Whale, dolphin and porpoise spotting are hugely popular activities. Humpback whales and Bryde’s whales are most commonly sighted, while the temperate waters of the Musandam Peninsula are considered a dolphin playground. Sperm whales have also been recently spotted off the Omani coastline. Local operators offer set programmes and chartered outings. While the Humpback Whale in the Arabian Sea is the World’s only non-migratory whale, it stays put; off the Coast of Salalah. 

Whales visit the shores of the Sultanate at irregular intervals, particularly in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The most famous types of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde’s Whales or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales, Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in Omani waters belong to the whale species.

Dolphin shoals visit the shores of Oman in large numbers. Muscat and Musandam are famous for dolphin watching, although this pastime is also widespread in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The types of dolphins that visit Oman are: Indian Ocean Dolphins, the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough-toothed Dolphins, Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Long-Beaked Common Dolphins.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Top 4 Water Adventure in Oman

Dhow Cruises

Cruising through the northern Musandam Peninsula’s dolphin-dotted “Fjords of Arabia” (ruus al jebel) on a traditional wooden dhow boat is an idyllic and eco-friendly way to explore Oman. From Khasab, a small fishing port and Musandam’s principle town, dhows set out on day, overnight or weekend cruises to the picturesque inlet of Khawr Ash Shamm, Telegraph Island or the cliffside village of Kumzar.

For history buffs, the coastal town of Sur, in Oman’s northeast, has long been an important centre for dhow construction: It is said that dhows built here were sailing to mainland China as far back as the eighth century. Today, visitors may take in the local shipyards, which are still active, as well as Sur’s new Maritime Museum.

Canoeing

As many of the Musandam Peninsula’s fjords are sheltered, they provide ideal canoeing conditions. Visitors may paddle to isolated fishing villages and deserted bays. Various local outfits offer guided kayak tours of the coastline, stopping to swim at deserted white sand beaches en route.

Cruising

Muscat, Salalah and Khasab are on the cruise Itineraries of more than a dozen cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, MSC and Holland America. However, Oman is still off-the-beaten track for cruising, so expect far fewer crowds as well as plenty of untouched scenery.

                                              

Water Sports

Most hotels can arrange water sports such as windsurfing and water-skiing, including equipment hire. For serious surfers and kite-surfers, Oman’s top spots include Asilah and Masirah Island. Game fishing is also rapidly gaining popularity with catches such as marlin and tuna. The waters off of the Khuriya Muriya Islands and Masirah Island are specially suited to this sport. To the north, Dibba on the Musandam Peninsula is particularly well known for fly-fishing.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre; A Place To Be Inspired

The Oman Ministry of Tourism and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre recently held a lunch at the Ritz London Hotel, taking part in a four-leg European city tour to promote its potential as a key business destination. The series began in London, followed by Paris last Wednesday, Geneva yesterday and Brussels today.

The Oman Convention On The Road roadshow aims to promote The Sultanate of Oman as one of the newest and most exciting international venues. It is set to become an iconic landmark for Muscat and the Sultanate of Oman. Located in its own precinct, this world-class facility is perfectly suited to host international, regional and national conventions, exhibitions and business events. Amongst its features are a tiered auditorium seating 3,200 people and more than 22, 00 square meters of exhibition space. 

The design of the Centre will ensure a flow of the meetings space to suit the most discerning conference and exhibition organisers. It also incorporates expansive concourse areas to enable ease of large delegations with floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features.

Experience a warm Omani welcome. Explore the beauty, diversity and opportunities of our wonderful country as Oman opens itself to the world.

See more: http://www.omanconvention.com

Attendees London Roadshow August 29:

James Latham, Executive Producer of International Meetings Review; Dr. Daniel Brooker, Principal International Development Manager of Cambridge English; Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions; Brigadier Abdul Rasak Alshahwarzi, Commander Royal Cavalry; Natalya Zhadanova, Conference Producer of BME Global Ltd; Sue Gollifer, Director of ISEA International Headquarters; Humaid A. AlWahshi, Sr. Consultant Rheumatologist of the Royal Hospital Ministry of Health; Joachim Gratzfeld and WEN Xiangying, Director of Regional Programmes and Executive Director of Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Paul Sweeney, General Manager Association Business of PPS Publications; Ian Croxson, Managing Director of Show Carriage Event Logistics; Nicki Atherton, Sales Director of Global Travel Investments Ltd; Nicki Atherton, Event Director of Reetex.

Adventure travel in Oman: Sailing

Sailors are well catered for in Oman: little surprise, as the country’s ancient capital Sohar was the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. West of Muscat, the Millennium Resort Mussanah (www.millenniumhotels.com) offers a private 54-berth marina managed by reputable local firm Oman Sail (www.omansail.com). Boat rentals, sailing instruction and yacht charter are all available. At the nearby Wave (www.thewavemuscat.com), Almouj Marina is home to a 300-berth port. From here It is a short sail to the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve. Oman Charter (www.omancharter.com) organises bespoke sailing holidays, island-hopping day trips and – uniquely for the region – bareboat yacht charter.

There’s plenty of serious sailing for spectators to enjoy too. The Extreme Sailing Series (www.extremesailingseries.com) – a kind of Formula 1 on the open sea – kicks off its annual yearlong competition, which takes place in eight locations around the globe, from Muscat each February. And every November, around three-dozen sailing yachts compete in the Dubai to Muscat Race (www.muscatregatta.com), navigating the Straits of Hormuz en route.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Bringing the Arabian Sea to life

Oman’s waters are brought to life by coral, crabs and colourful fish bringing the Arabian Sea to life. Whether it’s deep-sea diving or paddling pool depths, there is an underwater world waiting to be explored that can be appreciated from both above and below the water.

In sharp contrast to the arid environment that lies above, there is a multicoloured scene laid out below. The intricate structures of the coral reefs are expertly manoeuvred by Arabian angelfish, lion fish and silver fusilier fish, to name just a few of the 900 species that swim amongst the waters. 

Musandam on its own has more than 25 dive sites and in particular may attract some experienced divers who are in search of some invigorating drift diving. As commercial fishing is not allowed in this area of water, the volume of marine life is boosted substantially and it’s not unusual for divers to encounter most turtle species and a number of shark species. Favourite snorkel and dive spots include the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve (a UNESCO world heritage site), Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island.

As the saying goes ‘there’s bigger fish to fry’ and in Oman’s case around a quarter of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans have been spotted in the coastal waters off Oman. Large groups of dolphin shoals are frequent visitors to the shores of both Muscat and Musandam and in a stunning display a group of over 2000 long-beaked common dolphins have been seen churning the surface of the water as they travel. Bryde’s whales are the most common whale species as are a group of Arabian Humpback Whales - the only group in the world that doesn’t migrate and can often be spotted off the coast of Salalah. A few lucky ones have even made sightings of Sperm whales!

The waters are also home to many different species of turtles, thousands migrate annually to lay their eggs on the shores of Oman. The arduous work of digging holes in the sand to bury their eggs lays the foundations to one of the most watched and loved moments of the year, for conservationists and tourists particularly, as the eggs hatch and baby turtles begin their dangerous journey to the waters edge. The Masirah is the largest nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtles in the world and Omani culture proudly protects this area with a week dedicated to conservation-focused activities. 

The rich waters of Oman are an oasis of calm overlaying an unimaginable underwater world. [ CLICK TO TWEET ] The outstanding preservation and cultivation of the marine life creates every diver’s dream. But there is only one way to truly find out for yourself, take to the waters and see!

Beauty Has An Address – Oman.

Adventure travel in Oman: Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

The waters surrounding Oman are rich in wildlife and natural beauty. From dhow cruises and scuba diving to sailing and snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep lovers of the sea active all year round.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

With 3,165km of coastline coupled with warm waters and shallow reefs, Oman’s shores provide both snorkelers and scuba divers the chance to savour life under the waves. It is common to see rays, turtles and dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sperm whale or two. Favourite snorkel and dive spots include:

• The Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve, a UNESCO site with coral reefs, endangered hawksbill turtles and a spectacular array of tropical fish
• The secluded coves, mangroves and creeks of Bandar Khayran. This reserve hosts 22 top-notch dive spots, yet is just a 20-minute boat hop from downtown Muscat
• Fahal Island, or Shark Island, a popular nesting ground for sharks. Located 4km off of the Muscat coastline, Fahal Island is a protected nature reserve
• The northern Musandam Peninsula, where sites like Lima Rock host barracuda, turtles, sunfish, parrotfish, reef and whale sharks
• And the unspoiled beaches and rocky coastline of southern Salalah.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om